Clearing the Clutter

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Heb 12:1-2 NKJV

Have you ever wondered why sometimes in our days we spend more time getting ready to do our work than actually getting our jobs done?  I asked my husband this question yesterday morning as I was telling him how I’d spent all morning decluttering my office space so that I could actually sit down and get something done.  Finally by 1:00pm I was able to sit down and get busy and get focused. 

Do you think that Jesus led a cluttered life?  Do you think that he could have endured the shame of the cross with thoughts of unanswered emails, unfinished laundry, unpaid bills, unreturned phone calls and an unkept house?  For a second, forget that he was God.  He was also a man.   A man, having to endure the punishment of Jesus’ calling would have crumbled for sure with the weight of all of the clutter on him as well.   I can’t imagine having to bear the weight of the world with all of the “un’s” of my world weighing down on me as well.  As God though, I know that Jesus didn’t have the clutter that we do in our lives.  Because Jesus knew how to live a busy but balanced life of work, ministry, relationships, recreation and prayer, he was able to keep his focus on the task at hand – finishing the race for our lives in enduring the death of the cross.  He kept his focus on the joy that was set before him … our salvation as well as his rightful place at God’s right hand on heaven’s throne.

Okay.  I know that we are not God and thus may never achieve perfect balance in our lives.  But we can all do better, can’t we?  As I’m writing this for Laced With Grace, I am also writing this to myself as well.  And as I write, I think about those things that could be hindering me from becoming all that God wants me to be and doing all that God has for me to do.  Clutter and sin definitely take its toll on this “runner”!  How about you, dear reader?  How is your race going?  Let’s work together in clearing the clutter one piece at a time so that we can all do more for God’s kingdom.  Find a like-minded, encouraging friend and let’s have some fun cleaning up.  On your mark…get set…GO!

Clutter Clearing Tips:

1) Establish a goal.  Without a goal, you will never “go” anywhere very effectively.  (Prov 29:18)Do you have a goal in mind? If you have no vision for the future, how can you keep your focus on the “prize”?  And if you aren’t sure where God wants you to go yet, just ask Him!  He will illuminate a path for you.  (Psalm 119:105)

2) Enlist help. Ask God to help you identify the clutter and sin in your life so you can “run” freely.  (Psalm 139:23-24)  What are the things in your life that you really don’t need to fulfill your goal or life purpose?  What are you saying “yes” to now that will force you to say “no” to what God really has planned for you?

3) Enjoy the ride. Have fun while you run the race of your life.  Though the road may have potholes and bumps, sharp turns and hills, God will be with you all the way.   God will take care of all of the details.

Ecc 5:18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. (NKJV)

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