In the book of Hebrews 12:1 it says in part; “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”

Which sin so easily ensnares you? Is it anger? Fear? Lust? Greed? Envy? Overindulgence? There are many more; you name it. Maybe you have not thought about identifying the particular sin that seems to draw you like a magnet but it would be a good idea to do so. You may discover something different than you think.

For instance, if your credit cards are on constant overload you might ask yourself why there is such a drive to spend. What is the root sin? Overspending might be rooted in fear (storing up for yourself out of fear that you won’t have enough) or envy (that someone else has more than you) or maybe something entirely different.

Notice that the scripture compares sin to a “weight”. That’s quite a good description because that is usually exactly how we feel. It’s like carrying around a great big heavy ball and chain which radically slows our spiritual walk. The ending portion of that verse from Hebrews says; “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Can you imagine one of the Olympic runners having a twenty pound weight strapped to their ankle?

Before you can conquer a sin you have to know what it is. Next you need to have your eye on a prize that means more to you than the sin. Jesus got through the cross by keeping his eye on “the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Do you value your freedom from the sin more than you value whatever comfort the sin is providing? Finally, repent. Call your sin what it is and confess it to God and receive his forgiveness and grace for the future.

Jesus said that he came to set the captives free (See Luke 4:18-19). Are you ensnared? Go ahead and take him up on his offer.