“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 hinders our progress…” (Hebrews 12:1).

I heard about a great concert violinist who was asked about the secret to her great performances. 

She answered:

“Planned neglect. Anything that would keep me from practicing and playing well must be neglected.” 

I think that some of us could use some planned neglect in our lives, because there is a lot more junk in them than we may realize. 

If you don’t believe me-

– then try moving from one house to another. 

Isn’t it amazing how much junk you have collected? 

The same is true in our lives.

We take on things we don’t need.

Periodically, we needed to jettison this excess weight and let it go. 

When the race of life gets difficult-

– we like to blame circumstances,

– other people, or

– sometimes even God. 

But we need to remember that if we stumble or fall, it is our own fault.

The Bible says that Jesus’ “divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). 

The Bible also tells us to lay aside the weight and the sin that hinders our progress (Hebrews 12:1). 

Notice the distinction:

We are not just to lay aside the sin.

We also are to lay aside the weight. 

In fact, I would suggest periodically asking yourself this question about the uncertain areas of your life: 

Is it a wing?

Or is it a weight? 

In other words-

– does it speed you on your way in this race you are running?

Or, is it a weight—something that slows you down?