Hope for your financial life and beyond

Burn the Obstacles: Getting Rid of the Junk That Holds You Back

Hidden Nuggets Series #6  – “Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” – Acts 19:18-20

What’s standing in the way of you and an awesome life?

fireA few pounds?

A damaging relationship?

A pessimistic attitude?

An addiction?

A spiritual connection?

Sometimes it’s tough to see what’s holding us back. In general, we don’t have a great track record of diagnosing our own personal issues. Others are much more skilled at pointing out areas of our life that could use some improvement.

Even when we are able to pinpoint the issue, it’s not always easy to alter our course. We offer excuses, rationalize actions and justify our way out of change. We’d rather keep hurting our chances at an excellent life than face the harsh realities of what are our faults.

When the missionary Paul was in the city of Ephesus for two years, dramatic changes occurred in the lives of the people. Many turned to believe in Jesus through his ministry. As a result, we see them letting go and releasing personal baggage that once held them down.

The change was intense. In one instance, in what sounds like a dramatic citywide uprising, the new believers stage a book burning. Overwhelming passion for their new faith made them realize the need to rid themselves of anything that might stand in the way of their personal spiritual growth, even if those things had significant value. In this case, the cost of the books totaled 50,000 pieces of silver. That’s pricey.

When they did this, the Bible says it led to dramatic spiritual results. Nothing was going to hinder this new movement. The sacrifice of the people had a lot to do with that.

What are you holding on to that needs to be burned? Is there a personal issue you’ve been struggling with that is blocking progress in your life? Take the first step today towards an awesome life by throwing it in the metaphorical fire. It will be a sacrifice you will not regret.

Image at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Comments

  1. I always try to come up with reasons not to do things, it is so much easier. but with a little effort when you get the barrier out of the way you feel proud and really great so it is all worth it.

    • I guess that is part of our nature that we trend towards being idle and making excuses. I’m like you…removing that barrier creates positive feelings and a sense of accomplishment. It also breeds confidence that I can tackle other life obstacles.

  2. This is definitely hitting home right now. I think my own negative thoughts and laziness are holding me back from all that I can be. Although it’s easy to say that I want to give those things up, it’s way easier said than done.

    Thanks for this!

    • The first step is always recognition Lisa. Have to be able to see what the issues are before we can move towards correcting them. I’ve found that setting goals has helped me move in a positive direction with some of my personal failings.

  3. I have a couple things I’m working on but don’t feel too comfortable sharing. I think it’s working on yourself to recognize either bad patterns or things you need to face head on. But I try to never back down from a challenge. 🙂

    • I’m with ya Tonya! I don’t want the whole world to know all my junk either. You’re right of course…the growth in ourselves happens when we are honest and confront our issues head on.

  4. Inspiring words, Brian. I love how stories in the Bible from a couple millennium ago can be applicable to our lives today. I think we all have something we need to throw in the metaphorical fire.

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