Running and finishing the race ...

[Edial]

Apostle Paul is telling the folks concerning finishing the race.
He is talking about his life here on this Earth in a context of living the Gospel.

Do you folks see marriage as something that could be taken in a similar context? ... running and finishing the race?

HEB 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, ...

Thanks,
In Christ,
Ed

 

[mkgal1]

I absolutely see how that applies to marriage. Those that are married have accepted that is their greatest "mission" in life (IMO).

We mentioned Galatians 5 in another thread, and I actually see a common thread. Both verses talk about hinderances to "running this race". The solution is mentioned in this verse....."throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and fix our eyes on Jesus."

 

[mkgal1]

Something I just realized is, there is a distinction made between "hinderances" and "sin". Other versions of this passage us "weight"...("lay aside every weight"). These still keep us from "running" effectively the way God has for us (what's BEST for us).

What this means to me is....our choices aren't always between "right" and "wrong", but between something that may hinder us and something that may not.

 

[Edial]

OK. Sin entangles, like in a web.
I could easily see how marriage could be strangled by sin.
Addictions, fooling around, stuff like that.

The text also talks about hindrances.
How do you get rid of hindrances, which is weights?

It is not really sin, it is like something that keeps one from moving on.

What are hindrances in marriage?

Thanks,
In Christ,
Ed

 

[mkgal1]

Off the top of my head.....trying to please too many people at the same time, instead of only being concerned with the direction God is leading us.

For instance.....serving in the church & trying to please the directors.....having children in sports & feeling that as a Christian parent, it would show "God's light" to serve there......by being a giving friend....having the door open at all times for anyone to use your shoulder. All of these CAN be good...and God MAY be directing in some areas, but if this is "slowing down the race" (mostly in the marriage)....then there needs to be some "editing" done (and God should be the one to direct that).

Audience of ONE. Much easier than bowing to the entire crowd.

Can you think of any, Ed?

 

[Edial]

OK. Sin entangles, like in a web.
I could easily see how marriage could be strangled by sin.
Addictions, fooling around, stuff like that.

The text also talks about hindrances.
How do you get rid of hindrances, which is weights?

It is not really sin, it is like something that keeps one from moving on.

What are hindrances in marriage?

Thanks,
In Christ,
Ed

I think the hindrances in marriage is when one tries pleasing others more than pleasing each other.
I am talking about non-intimate way, of course.

Why the heck do I care what THEY (whoever they might be) are telling us what to do or not to do.
I am not talking about sin here, of course.

Why should I try pleasing my in-laws, parents, friends more OR instead of each other?

Thanks,
In Christ,
Ed

 

[mkgal1]

Exactly....that's what happens in our relationship with Christ as well.....we allow others to sort of draw us away. They get in between us and God and we don't even realize it (my theory anyway)...otherwise...why would we willingly choose someone else over God? It's sneaky.....subtle...and goes undetected.

I think these "hinderances" probably are used more by our enemy than deliberate and obvious sin, because it's difficult to reason with someone that's giving their "all" to the church.....or JUST taking care of their elderly parent (which of course *is* a good thing....but, there *needs* to be balance). I know someone who's husband is away each night dealing with church issues, and she has felt sort of neglected. Their daughter is now in college and the time went by so quickly in his busyness. All the while though, his response was "happy heart for God.....we need to willingly give back to Him." The church is not God. I don't believe God would have us sacrifice family for Him.

With that said, though....I don't believe that either spouse is to allow the other to mandate the steps that are taken. IOW....the "whatever you say, honey" type of thing. God needs to be the one directing our path. No one---not even our spouse, should slip into becoming our idol. I think we know it's Him leading when it's a win/win for everyone.

 

[mkgal1]

Oh....I wanted to add as well, that in Galatians 5:7, it says, "*Who* hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasian does not come from Him who calls you." I believe that is talking about deception from others. (Eph 4:22 parallels also...."Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.")


Another related passage is Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

 

[Autumnleaf]

Hindrances are time killers that lead to neglecting your spouse.