I came across this familiar verse in my devotional time at the beginning of a new year.  The Christmas decorations were still up (because I’m a late-January undecker-of-halls, don’t judge…) and I was feeling less than inspired about the “new year, new me” themes on social media, the pressure to make resolutions, pick a “word of the year”…blah, blah. The truth is, when I turn the page on the calendar, it’s really still the same me, with the same life, struggles, job, kids, responsibilities, church, friends, etc.  All that really changes is the number of times I have to erase/correct a date when I sign something.

But my heart was stirred when I read this passage. It’s such an ACTION verse. Rather than just talking about it, posting about it, thinking about it…THROWING OFF gives a picture of such intensity and purpose. It led me to ponder – what are the specific things that hinder me? What are the sins that so easily entangle me? How would this new year be different if I really threw them off? 

I’ll share the list that came from that reflection, but I encourage you to first ponder these questions for yourself. Perhaps write out a list. Here’s mine:

Things that hinder me: worry about the future, fear, anxiety, keeping up with the Joneses, desire for attention and praise of others, social media, insecurity, doubt…

Sin that so easily entangles: pride, temper, conceit, selfishness, gluttony… (and there were more written in my journal, but I’ve reached my vulnerability quota for this post… lol!)

I want to vigorously throw off these things. I’m getting the picture of young David refusing to wear Saul’s armor because it was just getting in the way (read the story in 1 Samuel 17). I can see him taking each piece off and tossing it aside, then picking up the smooth stones that would take down his opponent instead. What a trade! The man-made protections and weapons swapped out for simple faith in God and his victorious power. Let me do the same! Exchange these hindrances and sins for something better – something guaranteed to win the battle. I don’t want to be complacent and accommodating of the hindrances and sins in my life just because everyone else is wearing them too. I want to throw them off daily. This takes prayer, confession, intention, and replacing the thrown-off things with better substitutes. In the David analogy, worship, time in God’s word, and prayer are my smooth stones!

And why do I endeavor to make this trade? To what end?  

Not just to “be good”. But so that I can run the race marked out for me! 

I love that this passage in Hebrews assures me of these things:

1. God has intentionally chosen a path for me, it’s not all up to me and my whims/decisions/passions – there is a course to follow. (see also: Ephesians 2:10) 
2. My course is not the same as others. This is a gift, and I would do well to stay in my lane and not waste time comparing my path with anyone else’s.

Lace up. I’ll see you on the track…