When we read Hebrews 12:1-3 we are commanded to rid ourselves of obstacles. What are obstacles? Basically anything that impedes progress or achievement. In the same passage we see that it is often sin that trips us up and keeps us from achieving our goals. What sins? There are many of course, though I can’t help but turn to Proverbs chapter 6 where God spells out seven things he hates:
- Haughty eyes (pride, arrogance)
- Lying tongue
- Hands that shed innocent blood
- A heart that devises wicked plans
- Feet that run rapidly to evil
- A false witness who lies
- One who spreads strife among brothers
It’s pretty obvious why these behaviors would get in the way of God’s plan for you, since they tend to destroy relationships. The interesting thing about this list is that you can turn it on its head and take note of what we should be doing to keep from entanglements in our life:
- Be humble in the way you see others
- Tell the truth
- Use your hands to bring healing to the innocent
- Make plans in your heart to do good things
- Run toward things that are good and of God
- Testify the truth, even if it costs you
- Spread peace wherever you find yourself
Identifying tangle traps, and practicing endurance building behaviors, will put us ahead in the race set before us.
LT
