Most people think that it is the gross sins that hold them back, that hold them down, but that is not always the case. According to Hebrews 12:1 it is also weights. That verse tells us to 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. I believe that a weight can be the beginning of a sinful stronghold if we don’t take authority over its ruling in our life. Even procrastination could fall into this category because a long-term issue with procrastination would eventually lead to disobedience.

Ephesians 4:31 mentions several attributes we are lay down, or put off. Such as bitterness, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. First Peter 2:1 calls malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking weights, and tells us that we are to lay them aside.

A person doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand how these weights can have a negative impact on our lives. We need to recognize the snares that come against us to entrap with the sole purpose to build wrong strongholds in our hearts.

One way to counter these attacks or opportunities or options is to pray Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NKJV) The Amplified puts it this way – renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. The Common English Bible gives another twist: “put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me.”

We need to take authority over these areas that are working in our heart. We have to monitor our thoughts and follow the instructions in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 by rebuking thoughts that exalt themselves against the Word of God. Please understand that every sinful action has its beginning in a thought! Monitor your thoughts and line them up with Philippians 4:8: whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely, things of good report, virtue, and of praise; we are to think on these things.

This verse is a good basis for measuring our thought life because what we think about is a result of what we’ve been ‘feeding’ ourselves through what we see, hear, and read. And then those thoughts become our words and actions as a result of that abundance in our heart (Luke 6:45). Romans 6:13 instructs us to present ourselves as instruments of righteousness; not of unrighteousness.

My prayer for you this week is that you will spend time in the presence of God and allow Him to confirm and correct your thoughts so your life will be an instrument of righteousness that brings glory to Him.