Lose Weight in 2008
As the old years turns into a new year, we are surrounded with advertisements for weight-loss systems, exercise equipment and other things designed to help us “lose weight and feel great.” Companies know that the most often made resolution is to lose weight, so those companies can make a buck on our goals.
The Bible also teaches us to get in shape, spiritually speaking. Hebrews 11, the great “Hall of Faith” chapter, shows us some of those who had been faithful to God in Old Testament times. It teaches us the actions they took because of their great faith, but it also shows us what awful things they had to endure because they would not waiver in their faithfulness to God.
“But that was those folks back then,” someone might say. “What do all those stories have to do with me?” That’s why Hebrews 12 begins with the word “therefore.” Based upon the great examples of faith we see in chapter 11, there is something for me to learn for my life today.
What is it? How to be faithful, even in the midst of persecution.
Remember that Hebrews was written to Jews who had converted to Christianity. Now, however, they were being persecuted and tempted to leave Christianity and to go back to Judaism. The main point of Hebrews 11 was to show these early Christians what others had to endure due to their faith in God. Based upon those examples, what could these early Christians—and we—do in order to prove ourselves faithful?
- Remember you are not alone. The “great cloud of witnesses” (12:1) were those Old Testament believers who had endured. Now they are cheering us on, hoping we will not fall victim to temptation. They want us to be faithful.
- Lose weight. The word translated “weight” (verse 2) means, “that which is prominent and, so, becomes an encumbrance.” In other words, whatever gets in the way of being faithful should be laid aside!
- Get rid of sin. This is the most obvious “weight.” Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and keeps us from being faithful. I need to be willing to get rid of sin in my life.
- Fix your eyes on Jesus. He is not only the example, He is also the goal! He lived a perfect life, and I want to live an eternal life with Him. Look to Him daily.
If I will do these things, I will have a great day, and a great year! Are you willing to do them?
