"Let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that
is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith." Hebrews 12:1, 2
In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out
the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian's race for
eternal life: Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness--these
are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the
race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings
dishonor upon Christ and His church must be put away, whatever the sacrifice.
The blessing of heaven cannot attend anyone
who is violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is
sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others. Understand this
most important point. One sin in our life not fully confessed would cause us
not to be saved, or stop someone from seeing Jesus in us fully and can cause
their fall.
The song writer was right when he wrote that
those who choose to live apart from God are like, “Stiff necked fools, who
think they are cool.” These persons deny the simplicity of the word of God, because
they have gone for so long, loving vanity. These have the wrong interpretation
of the Bible.
They are mixed up with vain imagination in
worshiping the gods of gold, silver, stone, and wood. In the name of Jesus, it
is time to erase the fantasy of this world, and cling to the righteousness of
Christ and teach the truth. Soon those who do not listen to these words will be
called fools who die for want of wisdom.
Jesus said, "If thy hand cause thee to
stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather then
having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy
foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life
halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell. And if thine eye offend
thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with
one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:" Mark 9:43-47
If we fully analyze these things today, how
much more earnest we would be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul! The
competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid
discipline, were not even sure of the victory. "Know ye not," Paul
asked, "that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the
prize?" However eagerly and earnestly the runners might strive, the prize
could be awarded to but one. One hand only could grasp the coveted garland.
Some might put forth the utmost effort to obtain the prize, but as they reached
forth the hand to secure it, another, an instant before them, might grasp the
coveted treasure. May you do all through the Holy Spirit to win the prize.
May
the Blessings of God rest on you
Chaplain
Kevin Santucci
Song of the Day: Ain't That
Good News – By Breath Of Life Quartet
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