Hebrews 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Surrounding us are a cloud of witnesses who will testify to our life. Those witnesses include our children, our families, our co-workers, our acquaintances, the check out girl at a store, the people at church, and pretty much anyone we come in contact with. For that reason we are called to lay aside every weight and that sin which doth so easily beset us. Each of us have an area of sin that lures us away or that presents itself in our lives over and over again. It generally begins with some emotional need or feeling that attacks from many sides such as loneliness, self-loathing, pride, anger, jealousy, envy, or guilt to name a few. But, if our true purpose on this earth is to testify to a dying world of Christ, then we must lay aside all these weights and sins by looking unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Remember that He endured the cross so that you might be justified, so that His joy in sharing His love, hope and joy with you might be accomplished. Is there anything encumbering you today that you wish to cling to? Cast it away so that you might run the race.