When we accept Christ into our lives and become saved, God starts working in us and changing us to be more like Himself. But often as Christians we forget that God has made us a new creation. We like our sin so much that we just can't let go of it, and it becomes like an addiction.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says: "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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Imagine a runner preparing for the Olympics. Athletes usually wear lightweight clothing that doesn't restrict freedom of movement. They never carry with them anything heavy. I mean, if you saw an Olympic athlete with a huge backpack on his back while he's running a race, you would think he's crazy! Instead, when athletes run a race, they make sure there's nothing weighing them down or holding them back. They put all their effort into the race and they perform their best in anticipation of the prize that awaits them at the finish line.
Now imagine that athlete portrays a Christian; the race, the Christian journey; and ultimately, the finish line is heaven. If we as Christians run our race with a backpack (heavy sins), we're only going to be weighed down by guilt, shame and remorse. Why do we hold onto this heavy weight? Because we love our sin too much. If instead we focus our attention on the prize (heaven and Jesus Christ), the heavy weight will fall from our shoulders and we'll feel the incredible freedom God offers.
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