Running this Race

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, October 2006~Volume 6, Number 7

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”—Hebrews 12:1–3
​
Life can be called a journey, a path, or a race. We Christians are embarking on an adventure and sometimes we start to feel weary. Discouragement takes a toll on us and we begin fainting.

This excellent passage in Hebrews offers some practical encouragement on how to stay focused in the race. Let’s dig in and see what we find

The Witnesses
“we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” All eyes on you. You’re the runner and the audience focuses on your race. The stadiums are filled with viewers, some cheering, others booing. But they are all looking at you.
Doesn’t this relate well to our Christian walk? Sometimes we may feel like no one notices us, but they do! There are others watching every word we speak, every action we take, and every attitude we exhibit. That is why our life testimony is so important! Jesus knew others would watch you when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”1 When Romans tells us to “be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”2 it is essentially instructing us to renew our minds by soaking them in the Scriptures! Then by living a life that pleases and honors our Lord, we may clearly demonstrate His omniscient will for all to see!

Day by day, you are a testimony for Christ. You are His missionary, whether it be in your home, or in the world. It is vital that you recognize that others are watching you, because you could be the means of leading them to Christ, or turning them away from Him.


The Weight
“let us lay aside every weight,” As you prepare for the race, you consider what to bring along. And you wisely shy away from heavy shoes or a loaded backpack. Of course your bring as little gear as possible, but also the necessary gear to complete the race.

You see, weight could be defined as “unnecessary items.” In our Christian life, weight is not always wrong, but it keeps us from running efficiently. Here are some examples:

The desire to “fit in”--While there is nothing sinful with the desire to be loved or admired, if we are constantly comparing ourselves with others and focusing on the crowd instead of Christ,  we are really held back in our race. We must go to the Word and understand that God promises that if we love Him and conform to His image, He will honor and reward us.

Daydreaming--It’s easy to wonder about our future, or even “plan” it out, dreaming up the “perfect” husband, “perfect” house, and “perfect” life. This also is a weight in the race because it keeps us from going forward. Instead of focusing on now we are trying to figure out what’s around the corner. This is not only wasteful, but can also be a form of covetousness.


The Sin
“lay aside . . . sin which doth so easily beset us,” Sin is anything that dishonors God. According to this verse in Hebrews, sin will easily plague us. Let’s look at some common sins that keep us from running efficiently:

Covetousness--“I wish . . .” Do you use those two words often, even in your thought life? If so, this sin has found its way into your heart and you should forsake it now! It will surely hinder the rate at which your run, as well as affect your outlook on life.

Guilty Conscience--This has been a huge burden in my race in the past. Reconciling past sins is not a pleasant experience. But let me tell you—it is such a relief afterwards! If you have not made restitution (with God or others) about specific areas in your life, please do not let that hinder your race any longer. We are warned that “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Lack of Obedience--This could be in lots of areas. Some examples could include reading books you were told not to, listening to music that is not permitted in your home, understanding a Biblical truth but refusing to apply it, (see James 4:17), or resisting your parents’ authority. Jesus reminded us that if we allow sin to permeate our lives, we will not grow in Him. “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”


The Patience Aspect
“and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” You can count on trials and hardships. This race is our entire lives so it won’t be an easy stretch. The way is narrow, has distractions around it, and can get confusing at times. Instead of being irritable or anxious, we need to follow the guidance of God’s Word (the Map and Instructions) and trust Him to bring us through each stage of the race.


The Perspective
“looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We are instructed to look unto our Lord, because in this race, He is the goal and He is the victory. He is our source of guidance and strength. 
Distractions? Yes, they are present at every side. Huge signs are right at eye level, and they advertise an appealing activity or treat that seems wonderful when we are tired. Fun lurks on the sidelines. But do not trip yourself up falling to these sins. “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”—Proverbs 4:25–27

Keep your eyes on Jesus! Do not fall prey to satan’s tricks. Allow Christ to work through you as you establish your ways on Him and His Word.


The Key
“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” One time I was at a meeting and a girl was present who was confined to a wheelchair due to mental problems. Someone sitting near me leaned over and asked, “Would you like to know what the key to feeling grateful is?” 

“Yes, sir,” I said quickly

“Just think of her.” he responded respectfully, pointing to the girl who was across the room. It’s so true. Sometimes when I am upset about something that I am dealing with, I just think of someone else who is going through something even harder. Christ suffered so much more than we can ever imagine! Let us continually praise Him for His mercy on our lives, and always be grateful as we remember His sacrifice. 


The Discipline 
We are so blessed to have a loving, guiding Master. Even His discipline to us is out of infinite love and wisdom. “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth . . . But He [chasteneth] for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peacable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”5 I remember when I was little my parents would say to me, “We discipline you, Tiffany, because we love you, not because we want to make you sad.” At the time I could not comprehend this kind of love, but now I see it and I am eternally grateful. So should we be when our Lord corrects us, and we should be quick to apply the lessons He teaches us through His correction.

​
The Appeal for Endurance
Hebrews 12 is such an encouraging passage of Scripture! It is, in short, an appeal for endurance. We must heavily draw from the Word and rely on God’s strength to run this race. It is essential that we look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed . . . Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled . . . But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels . . . For our God is  a consuming fire.”—Hebrews  12:12–13, 15, 22, 29                                 
​