I think God has placed an innate sense of competition in our DNA (somewhere). This also includes a desire to run the race. Obviously, there’s more competition and desire in some people than others. Along with that, the race can mean a plethora of things to each of us. But one thing is certainly true. We undoubtedly all want to win. Nobody hopes to use their thumb and index finger to place an L on their forehead.
While a young boy, I believed I was very fast. As a young man, I was definitely full of myself. Consequently, I would sometimes challenge other men to a foot race. This typically happened at parties and get-togethers. I’d even challenge the occasional woman. In fact, my wife was one of them; we were both very competitive. I beat her handily, by the way. Alas, as age takes its cruel toll on us, we all slow down. Even the next generation eventually replaces professional athletes.
The writer of Hebrews describes a race God has given all of us to run:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1(NLT)
Eyes on Him
This truth is something like the runner’s starting block. We need to crouch down, get ready, and get our feet in place. In this “race” (the life of faith), we are all participants. Even if you can’t crouch down anymore, as a Believer, you qualify! Your age doesn’t even matter. Halleluiah! From what I can tell, however, this is an endurance race. And the insidious obstacles of sin will certainly be present (to the very end).
So, it begs the question, “How do we prepare and endure?”
Here is the answer:
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” — Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)
Run the race by always keeping your eyes on Jesus! We are all getting closer and closer to the finish line. In the end, Jesus will be waiting for us with open arms. These are the same open arms that He allowed to be nailed to the Cross to take away our sins. So, run hard, my brothers and sisters. We are almost there.
Running beside you!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor