TANGLES

Heb. 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Hindrances and entanglements; we are supposed to get rid of them, but did you ever stop to think what they are? What are the things that keep us from being all that Christ has called us to be? I am going to suggest five things; you may think of others:

1. Guilt - "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!" Well, of course you're not! Neither is anyone else. Christ doesn't call us because we are worthy, He calls us because he wants to make us useful vessels; faithful servants.  It isn't about what we've done or haven’t done, it is about His glory!

2. The need for approval - If we work for the approval of men we are always disappointed. You can't please everybody (and maybe not anybody)! Anyway, it isn't about making everybody around us happy, it is about His glory!

3. Fear of failure - Fear of failing really flows from a lack of faith in God's ability to finish what He started. I read somewhere that "He who began a good work in you is able to bring it to completion." So it isn't about what we contribute, it is about His glory!

4. Resentment and anger - Most of the time, the seeds of resentment and anger are planted when we don't get our way. Now we know better than that! Going our way or getting our way is the sure way to stray from the good path! It is a foolish sheep thing! Anyway, it isn't about our will - us getting our way, it is about His glory!

5. Materialism - Bigger, better, and faster; that's what we all want all the time isn't it? Well there is nothing wrong with good things. However, they can't be what drives our life. His kingdom and His righteous come first. When they do, everything else falls into its rightful place. It isn't about our stuff, it is about His glory!

Please excuse me a minute while I try to get untangled . . .

Pastor Keith Andrews