Things That MatterSample

THE CHALLENGE IS GREAT, THE REWARDS ARE GREATER

Distractions are here, and they’re never going away. That means it’s never too early and never too late to learn how to say no to them over and over again.

Notice in our verses today that the writer of Hebrews calls us, as followers of Christ, to remove two things from our lives: (1) sin and (2) everything that hinders us from running the race. Not every worldly distraction is a blatant sin, but the distractions of the world can still hinder us in running the race of faith well.

How then, specifically, can we respond when distractions have become our masters rather than our servants?

First, we can be vigilant in self-examination. We ought to fre­quently sit quietly with ourselves, examining the trajectory of our lives and the distractions that keep us from being the best version of our­selves.

Second, we can verbally articulate what distractions are keeping us from our best work in the kingdom of God, keeping us from those we love the most, or keep­ing us from fulfilling our highest purpose. As I mentioned yesterday, these dis­tractions may not always be unhealthy on the surface—but if they have spilled into places where they do not belong, they may become so.

Third, we can be diligent and intentional in removing these distrac­tions. This can be difficult and requires moments of wrestling within ourselves. But learn to fight.

Last, it is important to remind ourselves of the value of the most important duties in front of us. Your most important work will never be the easiest—in fact, it will probably be one of the hardest things you ever do. Being an intentional parent, loving spouse, bold witness, faithful em­ployee, inspirational artist, good boss, or selfless member of a com­munity is never the easiest road to travel. But in the long run, there is more joy and happiness to be found there than anywhere else.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

In what ways is Jesus the model for pursuing things that matter?

In what ways is he the finish line in this race?