Cruising

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,  Hebrews 12:1  NASB

So easily entangles – Ten years ago I wrote a piece about this verse (CLICK HERE). When I read it today, I was condemned by my own words (is there anything worse than that?).  I wrote:

What, then, is the sin that so easily entangles? Is it not distrust of the Creator? Is it not acting as though what God says is not true? The rabbis would call this idolatry, that is, the belief that God is not the one true sovereign God of all creation. Idolatry is not merely bowing down before some figure made with human hands. Idolatry is a way of life; a way of life that rejects or ignores what God says. Idolatry does not require a physical symbol of a false god. It only requires that we act as if what God said does not matter to us. Faith is trusting that what He says is true. Idolatry is claiming that it is not true, no longer true or irrelevant. If you apply this verse personally, the sin that so easily entangles might be some specific addictive pattern you fight. But the author has a wider picture in mind. What entangles us is the failure to act on God’s word. What entangles us in the subtlety of idolatry. ĕupĕristatŏs—the combination of “good,” “around” and “to stand.” What entangles is whatever hangs around that we think is good for us but is not what God says is good. It is the tree in our own garden, the power to choose otherwise, the capacity to pretend that God’s word isn’t good for me.

This is a knife-edge verse.  Why? Because most of us think we’re better than average (the odd fact is that most people believe they are better than average, which, of course, is mathematically impossible.  Most people are average).  When it comes to sin, we compare ourselves to reprobates, and we’re certainly better than them.  But this verse doesn’t grade on the curve.  It looks for total obedience.  We believe that standard is just too far out of reach, so we settle for cruising.  What is cruising?  It’s not hanging out on a ship on the sea.  It’s settling into a routine that accommodates just a little of the yetzer ha’ra, just enough so we don’t have to struggle too much to think of ourselves as better than most.  What so easily entangles is the ability (perhaps penchant) to lessen the call for total obedience, not in all areas but just in those few that present a real challenge to our comfortable existence.  I’m sure you know what I mean.  We justify this tiny modification because it’s far less stressful, and it’s normal.  That’s what we want, right?  To be “normal.”  Not a fanatic.  Not too zealous.  Acceptable in the circles we inhabit.  It would be much nicer if the author simply spelled out those sins that so easily entangle.  Then we could avoid them and check off the righteousness box.  But he doesn’t—on purpose—because what so easily entangles is unique to each individual.  Torah provides the general outline.  How you live it is really a matter of personal conscience—and only you and God know where that line is.  So, these days I’m cruising—on ships.  Sort of a third career, as it turns out.  But each day at sea needs to be my personal reminder of ĕupĕristatŏs, easy entanglement.  You might not be cruising the oceans, but I’m sure you’ll find the need for a ĕupĕristatŏs reminder.

Topical Index: ĕupĕristatŏs, easily entangles, Hebrews 12:1