Thoughts From Hebrews 12

...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...

 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  Hebrews 12:1,5b-11

                  Getting saved is not the end - it's just the beginning. As we just saw in the preceding "Faith Chapter", people were applauded for their faith which was always followed by a verb. True faith acts out. For us, if we have faith we then "run the race". "Run the race" means that once we are saved God gives us a mission in life that is uniquely fitted to our S.H.A.P.E. which is an acronym for Spiritual Gifts, Heart (passion), Abilities, Personality, Experiences. In order to most effectively accomplish our mission, which the writer describes as producing a harvest of righteousness and peace, we must remove the sin from our life and the baggage we are carrying and God helps us in that process in the form of discipline.

            Discipline hurts! You may have a lot of stressful, anxiety provoking difficulties going on in your life making you wonder - "Isn't the Christian life supposed to be smoother than this?" First of all you have to ask, "Have I stepped out from under the umbrella of protection that an obedient life to Christ offers?" We are free to sin and not follow God's rules of living but if we do, sin carries its own inherent baggage. Not only that but it blocks the spirit empowered life so we end up running the race on our own power. Tony Evans compares that to using a chain saw without turning it on - it's ineffective. God will make sure, if you are a believer, that you don't get away with sin or enjoy it to keep us on a short leash so we can get back to running the race. How much of your trials are self inflicted?

               Secondly, you may be slowed down in the race by things that aren't or didn't start out as sins but now are distracting you from the race. Some of these things may even have taken priority to running  the race and in that case have set up idols in your heart. In his book "Counterfeit Gods", Tim Keller talks about different idols of the heart and I'm going to give some scenarios that might be going on in your life that are uncomfortable but necessary Fatherly discipline to diagnose and remove those idols, or weights that are keeping you from effectively running the race. This will hopefully help you look past the stressors in your life and into the purposes and long term benefits of this God allowed or induced training.

          1." I feel like I am powerless at work and the low person on the totem pole. I have no influence or authority." (Power idol) God has the ultimate power. Are you OK in surrendering it all to him or are you wanting a piece of that?

          2. "I feel like no one loves me or respects me" (approval idol) God does. He thinks you are so awesome He sent His Son to die for you. Is that enough approval for you?

          3. "I have so many health problems that I can't enjoy life like I used to." (comfort idol) You were made for eternity. This life is a vapor. You will get a new body. Is that reassuring enough for you?

         4. "My life is out of control. I can't get on top of things. I'm overwhelmed!" (control idol) Are you OK with surrendering control of your life to God or do you need to help Him out?

         5. "I feel un-needed and useless" (Helping idol) Your worth isn't found in what you can do but who God thinks you are. You are a human being not a human doing. Where are you obtaining your self worth?

         6. "I feel like no one is watching out for me. Why do I have to keep meeting everyone elses needs? Who is protecting me?" (Dependence idol) Look at the lillies of the field and the birds of the air. Are you not more important to God than they?

        7. "My every move is dictated by other people. I need freedom!" (independence idol) Jesus said true life is found in serving and giving. The Christian life gives the ultimate freedom and rest. Are you being selfish or self less?

        8. "I feel like I'm spinning my wheels and accomplishing nothing."(work idol) It's not always the destination that matters but what happens along the route. Glorify God in the present.

        9. "No one even notices me at work. I'm not getting rewarded for my hard work." (achievement idol) God sees your work. Are you working as for the Lord? Are you OK with rewards in heaven rather than Earthly recognition?

      10. "Inflation and the economy is devestating us. Our savings are at an all time low, we are in debt up to our ears and living on a shoe string budget." (materialism idol) God is helping you distinguish between needs and wants - between earthly treasures and heavenly. Where your trasure is there will your heart be also.

      11. "I never miss church, Sunday School,... I serve on committees, tithe... why aren't things going better? God owes me!" (religion idol) These things are gifts given to us by God not vice versa. Are you trying to use religious acts as bargaining chips with God?

     12. "I continue to be single and lonely. Doesn't God care? I may need to lower my standards." (relationship idol) Is Jesus enough? Are you in love with Him?

      13. "Minorities are filling the schools, moving into my neighborhood and taking all the jobs." (racial/cultural idol) So you are more important to God than other races and cultures? 

      14. "My children are leaving the nest, ignoring my calls and making life choices that reflect poorly on me as a parent." (family idol) You don't get your value, significance, and meaning for life from your family.You are in a new family.

      15. "The political party in power is ruining the country and I see no end in sight." (ideology idol) God is the ruler of the Kingdom of God. Whose kingdom do you belong to?

       16. "I've gained 20 lbs, I'm getting wrinkles, and I no longer turn heads. I think I need plastic surgery." (Image idol) You are God's workmanship and a unique masterpiece. Can you find comfort in the fact that He sees you as beautiful?

           I can relate to at least 3 of these and these points of tension are areas where God is exposing idols as He disciplines me to be more Holy and to run a better race. What about you? Where is God pruning you?