Building a Guard
“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” (ESV) Hebrews 12:1
The main idea of the scripture text is the one thing (sin) that easily overcomes believers in our Christian walk. Generally, there is one habit or desire that will prevent us (believers) from enjoying the fullness of God. In my own personal experience (and indeed my experience with other people), I have come to an understanding that this one area where we are vulnerable differs from person-to-person. It could be lust, greed (selfish ambitions or motives – pursuing selfish short-term success), pride of life, etc. I believe you know the area in your life that tempts you or easily besets you. How do we then deal with the issue or weakness that seems to do away with our spiritual life?
We can use the strategy of Nehemiah by – "setting up a guard", Nehemiah 4:8,9: “And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”(ESV). Please don't think that anyone expects you to just automatically do it, because it's hard, it takes prayer, self-discipline and moral effort (with the aid of the Spirit). Submit it to God every morning before you step out and look up to Him. And maybe you haven’t yet trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. All this may seem strange to you, but you know you have more issues in your life that you wished were overcome. The starting point is to believe in Him and repent (Acts 2:38, John 6:37).