Laying Aside Every Encumbrance

The author of Hebrews spends the end of chapter 11 painting a picture of what it means to pursue righteousness regardless of the consequences. The “Hall of Faith,” as it were, is full of the heroes and saints that proclaim the gospel and lived lives that undoubtedly demonstrate their commitment to God, and their passion for the advancement of His kingdom. The story of Abram willing to give his only son, Moses parting the red sea, and many others who performed acts of righteousness and obtained promises.  The message given to the future generations is one of what a gospel driven life looks like, and the result is not always one we would desire.  There will be those who shut the mouths of lions, and there will be those who get devoured by them, and yet the conclusion is the same: these were men of whom the world was not worthy of.  No matter the circumstances or tragedy that encompassed the lives mentioned, the honor attributed them is the same, and the mission is worthy of such lives.  

What a humbling message of this chapter, what a challenge to all those who wish to approach the Christian life: it may not end well.  The author speaks of this fact so easily as if to say that we must accept this as our possible fate if we wish to run this race.  With this in mind I read the opening words of chapter twelve:

“Therefore, since we so great a crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

I note four major things in this verse: 1) the importance of the word “therefore,” 2) the call for endurance, 3) the need to shed sin, and what stands out the most to me 4) the laying aside of every encumbrance.  The first think I take note of is the use of the word “therefore.”  It’s as if the entire previous chapter is summed up and the author adds, bearing this in mind let’s do the same as we the heroes we praise; but we must understand how we can do such.  The next three observations unpack how we can do this.  The need for endurance is apparent, for one who does not follow through with the calling is not a person who is worthy of the gospel.  Likewise sin must be continually shed if one strives for holiness, so again this is a seemingly obvious need for the Christian life.  But amidst this verse there is one thing that is not as easily understood; the shedding of other things, besides sin (because textually we see the author is speaking of two different things). 

This verse leads me to the conclusion that there are things that I can hold onto that are not sinful and not against God, and yet I must shed such things. So amidst this understanding I cannot help but ask, what must I shed?  What would God call me to shed, and more importantly, would I give it up?  Now I am not speaking to ridiculous self abasement, nor am I speaking to the miniscule sacrifices, like giving up a daily cup of coffee to provide for a compassion child.  Instead I ask about what is important to me that God could rightfully call me to dismiss.  All this to simply pose the question: “What if He asks?”  What happens when God calls me to rid myself of something I want?  What will my response be when he calls me to rid myself of my music ministry, my occupation, my relationships, or even my comfortable life-style?   Will I faithfully follow His calling, will I quit the second He asks for something I love? 

This question used to drive me to a place of extreme stress.  I would long to know that Christ was important enough to me that I would never think twice about giving up anything else if it became an encumbrance.  And yet as I longed to make nothing in my life as valuable as Christ I realized that my approach was flawed.  I do feel that such a question must be asked of us and to wait until God asks for such things is a poor way to find out if you are able and willing to do so.  But amidst pondering this I could not help but feel that my focus was wrong, that I would focus upon the sacrifice asked of me without realizing that what I give up holds no comparison to the life I am called to.  I feel the best way to illustrate my perspective is with an anecdote:

A young boy has a vision in his mind, that vision is a Nintendo 64. (ok, so this was 1997)  He finds a way to earn the money doing one of the few things he is able to do: yard-work.  He finds neighbors who are willing to pay him to mow, rake, and trim up their yards and so he is on his way to his goal.  An entire summer passes of pure sweat and hard work, and yet he is still not close to reaching his financial goal for this beloved gaming system.  The realization hits that he will have to repeat the hard work and effort the next year.  After a school year passes and summer is upon him, he goes to the same neighbors and repeats the process.  As the summer draws to a close, he soon realizes that he has worked hard enough to gain his desire and he is off to the store to finally complete his dream.  At the moment the he pulls the system off the shelf he begins to contemplate the two summers of work he endured, the sweat that kept falling from his brow, and the countless scrapes and bruises.  He walks to the register and hands over the sweat stained bills all the while thinking of all the hard work and devotion he displayed for such a long time.  When the purchase is complete, he grasps tightly his reward and knows it was worth it. 

It is not something that is regretted, it is not as if he wants his time back, he is happy to give up every ounce of pain, sweat, and even blood to afford this treasure, and it’s finally his.  In this same way I see the glory of a life lived for the gospel, it is never wasted, never full of regret, and always something to bring praise.  I gladly hand over any encumbrance that God would ask of me if it aids me in my pursuit of righteousness.  It is not something to hesitate, it is not something to regret, it is nothing less than me trading something of lesser value for the only thing that will truly satisfy: Christ.  Much has been asked of me thus far, many things I loved I have shed, and more is to come I am sure; but I am not ashamed of the gospel that I have been called to proclaim, and for it I gladly would give my all, including my comfort, relationships, and even the breath in my lungs.  For the cross, I lay it all aside.