Moving… Again!
In the next month, my wife and I will be moving for the 24th time. That’s a lot, but in full disclosure, some of those moves were short-term rentals (house-sitting, short-term interim work, etc.), but a move is a move! Each time, we boxed up our stuff, packed it into a trailer or truck, went to the next location, and let the contents spew into the new abode.
This time we would love to sort out things we can throw away, sell, or give away. Perhaps we could limit each other to only 7 favorite coffee cups, or get rid of mismatched plates, let go of youth ministry books from the 70’s, recycle broken things we meant to fix, and even throw out decades of accumulated scenery pictures without people we know.
We may not accomplish everything, but our first goal is to at least downsize enough to stop paying rent for a storage locker where some of our stuff currently lives. Imagine, buying so much stuff that you pay to keep it! We know it will require work, time, and an intense focus to become the minimalist we long to be.
As much as I want to be light-footed with my possessions, I also want to develop as a fleet-footed disciple of Christ.
In Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
He is of course speaking of discipleship – becoming like Christ. We know the “therefore” refers to the accounts of those who lived by faith in chapter 11. What we sometimes miss is the word for “witnesses” is not that of observers, but it is the Greek word translated as a testimony, martyr, or in the legal sense, giving a statement of fact.
Like those mentioned in chapter 11, the author says let us also be like them by laying aside two things – get rid of our clingy sinful behaviors (adultery, idolatry, greed, covetousness, etc.) AND lay aside every weight that encumbers us. Then we will have a testimony of faith in God and run with purpose and endurance.
Too often I hear messages viewing weight as the outcome of our sins. “Stop sinning and you will not be laboring under the weight of sin.” When, in fact, weight and sin should be viewed as two separate but related areas of discipleship.
Sin we understand can cause a weight. Our unforgiveness can result into a repressive weight in our lives. Conversely, repentance and forgiveness can certainly release a weight from our lives.
We might not give weight its due on how it keeps us from running our race. A good example is the parable of the “Rich Young Ruler” who had accrued great wealth. Though he was a “godly” person (keeping the commandments), his wealth was his security, status in society, and gave him the illusion of power to control his happiness by fulfilling his needs and wants. The weight he placed on his wealth had become an idol. Christ revealed this sin to him and then required him to set aside the sovereignty-challenging idol to become a disciple. Being rich was not the sin, but it is sin when we do not place our wealth under the Lordship of God.
Even if we don’t consider ourselves to be idolizing wealth, money weight can slowly accumulate with small commitments and habits. Recently, I have been tracking my financial habits with a phone app. When the phone app put all my little miscellaneous expenditures together, I was surprised to learn how things like streaming services, subscriptions, and various membership charges can pile up to become a large chunk of change. It helped me to realize how just like getting rid of debt, being diligent in scraping off the little barnacles will not only lighten my burden in the present, but will give me the ability to respond to ministry and generosity opportunities as we move into the future.
Reflection Questions:
We have witnesses who have set an example of how to live by faith – biblical figures as well as past and present mentors. What makes their lives stand out? Was it a one-time event or a season/lifetime characteristic or practice?
When was the last time you talked with God about His finances? A good place to begin is with this helpful tool from our website. Four Hs of Financial Wisdom | MB Foundation
Sin unchallenged will take us down. Are there areas in your life that keep showing up? Seek God’s wisdom and strength to address these areas as you run your race!
As I wrap this up and get back to packing, it occurs to me that while a lot of people have offered to help us move, they cannot make decisions on what gets packed. At the end of the day, we all must sort our own stuff – spiritually, materially, and financially. So, what needs to be sorted in your life? What weight do you need to set aside?