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.
Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬

REFLECTION

Here’s an easy verse to misappropriate for the so-called encouragement of others.

How exactly shall the captive lay aside the chains? Let’s not confuse the real bondage of addiction with the heavy drinkers’ plight of excess.

Certainly, there are those, and you may be one of them, who simply need to set aside the next drink and peruse His will.

Maybe you can.

In that case, take this message from Hebrews in its most basic form—walk away from the path you are on and do pursue that which is better.

He has put a race in every heart and soul and life, and we ought to shed everything that hinders our performance.

What about the addicted?

What about we who for a moment can bask in the beauty of the idea of this dying to self but seem confined to the cycle of using—seemingly beyond our so-called willpower?

We pray, but like a fire doused in gasoline, we flare up only to die down quickly and quietly in the days that follow.

The key to sobriety is to stop, to arrest the pattern, to break out for long enough to lay a new foundation.

Often, this requires help.

Certainly, if out using is extreme, we’ll need hospitalization or treatment. It’ll do little good for the kingdom if when we stop abruptly or on our own, we die in the process.

If there is any doubt, lay aside the weight of self-sufficiency and the worry of change that clings closely and simply begin the race before you with someone already on it.

Walking is ok. The race is long.

God, direct my steps in the right direction.