I have referenced the following verse in previous posts; mainly focusing on the great cloud of witnesses, the sin that ensnares, and the race set before us. But what of the phrase 'lay aside every weight'?
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Whatever can slow us down or trip us up must be cast off. 'Sin' needs to be dealt with but it goes beyond that ... we are to rid ourselves of thoughts, attitudes, and habits that (unbeknownst to us) also impede our progress. They may not appear sinful, yet have 'pride' at their core.
I have seen all the works done under the sun; indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14
I contend that our ongoing 'sanctification' reaches beyond breaking the chains of obvious sinful behavior. It is the 'stripping away' of everything we identify with other than Jesus Christ.
Man is 'ego-centric' by nature and therefore tries to establish self-worth through his innate abilities to accomplish set goals, to do something beyond that which is common, to garner praise from others, and even ... to successfully defend his religious beliefs. These are the 'weights' spoken of; the very things he relies on in a vain attempt to establish his worth.
How long must we languish before this verse is made real ...
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
The emptiness you feel can never be sated without making the above proclamation your own. In order to receive the Lord's promised peace ... you must first abandon everything with which you identify in this world. This is not your home, pilgrim. Christianity is not something you add to an already established life. It is to replace that life.
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