The Divine Weight-Loss Plan
We are over halfway through working our way through the Bible. Today’s readings were 1 Kings 10 and Hebrews 12. 1 Kings 10 tells us that Solomon was the richest and wisest king ever to live. He had 12,000 horses; we have six, and the amount of care that goes into six is often overwhelming. I can’t imagine 12,000 and the sheer amount of work and manure that would entail.
Hebrews 12 picks up where 11 left off, reminding us of all the great examples of faith we can cling to in our journey of faith. And how sin can weigh us down and trip us up in that journey.
‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. ‘
Hebrews 12:1-2 https://www.bible.com/bible/116/HEB.12.1-2.NLT
I think of the old movies where the covered wagon is trying to outrun the bandits, guns blazing on the dusty trail. They need to lighten their load to go faster, so they start throwing the cherished belongings out to gain ground. What must I throw out today that’s slowing me down? What about you?
Sometimes, on my lunch break, I’ll watch TV. This week, I started watching a highly rated series. I thought, well, it looks interesting, let’s see where it goes. I should have known better. I couldn’t finish it; the language and the graphic images were too much. You might think I’m a “prude”. But I think it’s divine discipline, and I need to work at living a holy life. At the same time, I remind myself that living a holy life is a journey, not something we perfect overnight. God’s grace meets us in our blunders and keeps inviting us forward, even when we fall short. We are not alone as we grow; the Holy Spirit guides our journey.
‘Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. ‘
Hebrews 12:14 https://www.bible.com/bible/116/HEB.12.14.NLT
Work isn’t fun, that’s why they call it work. But work has rewards. As if on cue, today’s verse of the day, Colossians 3:12 (AMP), perfectly ties these truths together:
‘So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];.’
Colossians 3:12 https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/COL.3.12.AMP
I may not be up to date with the latest trending music or shows. But I’m chosen, I’m running straight towards an unshakeable heaven to an unshakeable Jesus. I need to throw out things that don’t keep my eyes fixed on him. I need to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and be a light shining for Christ. Oh man, I need to work on all of those qualities. Come, Holy Spirit, and work these qualities in my life.