Our garden is hard work. The soil needs to help. We are obsessed with getting great veggies from it…in due time. We defy any weed that tries to take on one of our plants! We don’t just chop it down, we pull it up from it’s roots and get rid of it. Same goes for our lives.

God’s training is the best training for living in close relationship with Him. But His training demands that we also live in peaceful, great relationships with others as well. So, the writer of Hebrews continues, cheering us on, as we run this race well…

“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” Hebrews 12, Msg

“Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.” Hebrews 12, Msg

AND…a little Hebrew history to clinch the lesson…

“Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.” Hebrews 12, Msg 

Reminding the Hebrews of their heritage with the “back story” of Esau was ingenious to begin where they are and bring them forward (educate) to God’s New Covenant with His people. It’s also a reminder to us to not use people (and God) for our short term, temporary emotional needs, but to love God and others deeply and forever, no matter what. (Also a good financial lesson!)

I am reminded of an old song I use to sing in church…”Using Things and Using People”. And now it is stuck…until another song comes to mind. The song tells us not to get the two confused. Use things, not people.