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Those of us who've been involved in the week-in, week-out ministry of church production for a while are very familiar with the need for endurance. But what prevents us from having the perseverance to run "the race marked out for us"? Lately, I have been contemplating what Paul wrote in the first part of Hebrews 12:1, where he tells us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
When we let even the smallest sin into our lives, it can quickly consume us and drive us to live out a deception. It usually starts with something seemingly small. No big deal. No real immediate or direct consequences. However, that little thing, when not dealt with, turns into something bigger and grows. Very quickly, we'll find that we have become entangled.
Sin can have a way of making us feel guilty, ashamed and fearful. We don't want to experience the pain of the consequences so we cover it up. We somehow believe it is easier and less painful in the long run to keep on sinning. Hiding.
We can put on a good show for those around us when, on the inside, we are running on far less than full steam for Jesus and the ministry He has called us to.
In hiding, though, we expend great energy diverting attention away from the real issues onto something completely false. We can put on a good show for those around us when, on the inside, we are running on far less than full steam for Jesus and the ministry He has called us to. We exchange a life of freedom and authenticity for one of lies inside a shiny plastic shell of seeming perfection.
Redemption
But remember the promise: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness!" (1 John 1:9 NIV) I encourage you to take time now to examine your life and confess. It's time. But also note that God's plan is for us to do this together. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16 NIV)
When the weight of the world is heavy upon us, maybe we need to find someone we can trust and then unload. Allow this person to dig in and help us experience freedom, grace, forgiveness, and healing. It may well be the hardest thing we ever do, but it will be worth it. It's time to get real.