Hebrews 12:1-2 (CEB)

Let’s also run the race

12 So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, ² and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Reading a devotional this morning called “Our Daily Bread” reminded me of the damage that carrying ‘baggage’ through life can cause. The baggage can come in the form of hurts that have never healed, guilt from past sins never confessed and repented from– or probably any number of other potential issues not coming to mind at the moment. Whatever it is and wherever it comes from, as children of God we must deal with it to be effective witnesses for Him and live the type of victorious life He intends for us to have.

My wife is fond of a game show called “The Family Feud” and often watches it when she has the chance. Immediately after the show airs, another show comes on that channel that deals with trying to match people up, shedding light on their ‘baggage’ and allowing them to choose what is tolerable and what is not in picking each other as possible mates. Sometimes, an individual might appear to be the obvious choice, but is not picked because their baggage is just too much. That said, it occurred to me that the baggage people carry can get in the way, robbing them of an opportunity that might have been beneficial and pleasant. While I don’t care much for the show, I am reminded that our baggage goes along with us through life and can often hinder us from being effective in carrying out God’s will– therefore robbing us from some wonderful things that might have come our way if it were not blocking our path.