What Are You Clinging To?

My friend’s son recently turned four years old. For nearly two and a half years, he carried his blanket ‘binky’ everywhere. His mother used to sneak it in the wash at night to avoid the drama of their separation. The problem with this became more apparent as he grew and wanted to do more complex tasks such as ride a tricycle or play with his large trucks, requiring he use both hands. “Binky” either kept getting in the way or the boy struggled to maintain his balance with one hand still clinging to binky. It was sad to see him missing out on the joy of new adventures because he couldn’t let go of his tattered and worn security blanket. Yet, we often do the same! In John 10:10, Jesus offers us a new adventure-filled life, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” but all to often, we stubbornly cling to false securities of money, achievements, and acceptance, which are here today and gone tomorrow, and end up forfeiting the very thing we desire most: a meaningful life.

To take hold of Christ is to let go of the world, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) But you cannot pick up your cross unless your hands are empty. This New Year, ask yourself what am I clinging to and resolve to let it go so you can grab hold of the glorious new life Jesus promises.

“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.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Shadia Hrichi

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