Biblical Weight Loss
“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,”
I was listening to a teaching recently on Hebrews 12:1, I was struck by the word “Weight” mentioned in the verse. I have heard this verse many times over the years and usually I have walked away being challenged about Sin but the word “Weight” I believe gives the Christian some further things to think about.
The Book of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews is a theological bridge between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing how Jesus Christ fulfills Old Testament promises.
Its author remains unknown, but its eloquent style and deep Old Testament insights suggest a writer deeply knowledgeable about Jewish traditions.
Likely written before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Hebrews addresses Jewish Christians facing persecution, encouraging them to persevere in faith.
An Athletic Illustration
The word “Weight” here is often understood as “everything that hinders” or impediments to our spiritual journey. The original Greek word used here is “ὄγκος” (ogkos), which can mean a bulk, mass, or burden.
In the context of Hebrews, it symbolizes anything that slows us down in our spiritual race, akin to a runner shedding unnecessary weight to perform better.
Imagine a runner preparing for a race. This athlete not only works to shed physical weight but also establishes strict boundaries in training, diet, and lifestyle.
These boundaries are crucial to prevent new ‘weights’ or distractions from affecting performance. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, Hebrews 12:1 not only invites us to shed existing burdens but also to set boundaries that prevent new hindrances.
Establishing Boundaries and Accountability
Setting boundaries and maintaining accountability are vital in preventing new burdens. Just as an athlete sets boundaries in training and lifestyle, Christians need to establish spiritual and practical boundaries.
These might include regular prayer, Bible study, healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking accountability partners or groups. Such boundaries help maintain focus on our spiritual goals and prevent the encroachment of distractions or negative influences.
Here are a few verses to consider as we think about the race we are on:
1 Corinthians 9:24–27: Paul speaks about running a race with discipline, a metaphor for the Christian life.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Philippians 3:13–14: Paul emphasizes forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, much like a focused runner.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
So what next?
To apply this, we must be proactive in identifying potential burdens and setting boundaries to avoid them. This could involve re-evaluating how we spend our time, the influences we allow into our lives, and actively seeking out Christian fellowship and mentorship for accountability and growth.
It is crazy how much time we spend adding “Weight” to an already tough race. I recently heard some statistics that were alarming:
Watching TV: On average, U.S. adults spend about 3 hours a day watching TV. Over a lifetime (assuming an active period of 70 years, starting from age 10 to 80), this amounts to approximately 76,650 hours.
On Social Media: The average daily time spent on social media is about 2 hours and 38 minutes. This translates to roughly 67,282 hours over a 70-year period.
Playing Video Games: The average time spent playing video games in the U.S. is about 7.71 hours per week. Over a lifetime, this would be around 28,141 hours.
Using Smartphones in General: The average of 3 hours and 15 minutes per day on phones amounts to about 83,038 hours over 70 years
So smartphone use alone in a lifetime equates to 9.48 years! Let that sink in for a moment and think about what we get for the return on our time spent.
Is this investment of time bringing life?, is it bringing joy?, is it easing our anxieties?, or is it robbing us of the only true source of love, joy and peace that ultimately comes from a relationship with Christ, time spent with the Savior.
If we are honest, we would say that time spent investing into the things of this world will only add “Weight” and slow us down.
Now one clarification I need to make at this time is; I am not saying that using technology, watching TV or being on a phone is bad, but how you are using these things needs to be considered, what are you watching?, what are you taking in?, what are you getting in return for this time spent?
I would also say, are you making time to spent with the God of this universe a priority? Do we protect that precious time each day?
If Jesus was to show up at your house today, would you be concerned with the things of this world or would you be focused on spending time with Him?
Well the truth of the matter is that Jesus is here, and we can spend time with Him right now. Doing so will position us to not only set up the right boundaries, but also position us to run this race well, a run without the burdens of this world.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28–30
So I say all this to encourage you, consider this a challenge to audit where your time and resources are being spent, consider what “Weights” you have allowed into your life. Is it an unhealthy friendship? Is it time spent browsing timelines and consuming the worlds wisdom?
If so, make that change today and continue running the race set before you!
Brought to you in partnership with Once Lost Ministries
