Hebrews 12:1

THE INWARD LIFE OF A STEWARD
Overcoming Self

Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Hebrews 12:1 exhorts us, Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Of all the encumbrances that threaten to entangle us, self is number one. As we pursue what we believe is best for us, we all too often settle for what is less for us. The old cartoon character Pogo, said it well, “We have met the enemy and he is us!” All sin has its root in self — anger, greed, pride, lust, deceit, you name it. Notice that the center letter in the word “sin” is “I.” If you want to successfully run the race that is set before you, the first obstacle you must overcome is you. Think about it.