“Let us also lay aside encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” {Hebrews 12;1-3}. Take inventory, to Examine our lives, Evaluation not Condemnation, but for Preparation, in order to live the Christian life by the power of the Holy Spirit to the best of our ability We look within to examine our lives, motives…Is there anything that is causing you to be “entangled”…so you cannot run as God desires because of “weights” these are not necessarily bad things or sinful things, but things, or relationships that dampen your enthusiasm for God and the things of God and seeking the affairs of God first and foremost.
“Sin” speaks of that which defiles us and causes pain to God. Sometimes it can be “pet” sins, “besetting sins,” we tolerate them, make excuses for them because in all honesty we “love” them more than we do the Savior. He says to “DIVEST,” “LAY ASIDE” Anything or anyone that would Dampen or Distract or Distort our view and Pursuit of Eternal things must be dealt with drastically, “THROW IT OFF,” “LAY IT ASIDE” … like you would a dirty and wet garment, upon arriving home get rid of it. John Wesley the famous Evangelist would travel by horseback and preach in various locations. At times, he would be pelted with rotten fruit as he stood to proclaim the “Unsearchable riches of Christ.” Upon arriving at the place he would later stay, he would first change his clothes. He was not comfortable in filth, and neither should you nor I.- “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. “- { 2 Cor 7:1} LOOK WITHIN and deal with attitudes and actions that dampen, displace or dishonor your pursuit of God and the things of God. Discard them, replace them with His Word and get perspective and persevere on about eternal things!{Rom 12:2}
Look Within Not For Condemnation But Evaluation as Preparation to Run the Race of faith looking to Jesus
{From message,”The Three Looks-}