Living a life by subtraction is not easy. It is about recognizing those parts that do not serve us well. Sin, behaviors, habits, ways we show up that are hurtful at worse or not helpful at best. In this journey, this race that we are running, many of us are carrying deadweight.
Personally, the deadweight I am carrying physically is an excess 20 lbs. It hurts and hinders me physically. Mentally, the deadweight I am carrying is my habit of just vegging in front of the television when I am bored. It is a time waster, and it does nothing but kick the can of my boredom down the road. Spiritually, the deadweight I am carrying is my internal dissatisfaction or lack of contentment. It causes me to feel that what I have is never good enough or that somehow, I am missing out (FOMO) by not have the latest technology or gadget or golf club. There is always something more to experience. There is a lot more that, as the writer of Hebrews says … clings so closely.
Have you ever tried to do something and felt bogged down? The first marathon I ran, I was so overweight, my knees hurt, my whole body hurt. I was carrying a lot of deadweight. Extra pounds that did not help me run the race. As a matter of fact, it clung to me, hindering my every step. Hebrews 12:1-2 says …
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Or as one translation puts it … “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” That is what a life by subtraction is … it is life where we lay aside every weight (deadweight) and sin that we know is not serving us well, physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually!
What is it that keeps tripping you up? What is it that is the besetting sin of your life? Let us seek God and ask Him, in the midst of grinding it out, to show us and give us His grace to remove it, set it aside and move past it. That may require counseling, coaching or a brother or sister coming along side you for accountability. I would encourage you to take Faithwalking and begin a journey of transformation.
I want to get rid of the deadweight in my life … how about you?
– Pastor Jerry