“Therefore… let us lay aside everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”
Hebrews 12:1
In the recent years, running aficionados have seen the advent of suits designed to help runners run faster. In the recent 2012 London Olympics, the US Olympic team sported Nike’s TurboSpeed suit that reportedly helps knock off 0.23 seconds from your time in a 100 metre sprint. The design of this suit is so streamlined, it outlines the body so close sans the small perforations strategically placed to minimize air drag while running. It makes it seem like you are running “with just your skin on.”
In Hebrews 12, our Christian walk is likened to running a race. As believers, we have a path in life that is designed to give glory to God with every step, a path marked out for us from start to finish. As we go through each day, it becomes a challenge to keep running towards the goal because there are often many things weighing us down. So how do we do it?
1. Reject Extra Baggage
We must learn how to resist each impulse that turns our focus away from God. In Hebrews 12:1 it says ‘remove everything that hinders.’ So what impedes you as you press on? Our roadblocks can come in many forms. It may be a lack of confidence in embarking on God’s call for fear of the responsibility or it can be the complacency that a comfortable life brings. For most of us in the proletariat, being in the rat race called work can sometimes leave us with very little desire to set our sights on God as we focus on climbing up the corporate ladder. So what weighs you down as you run your race for God?
We must also veer away from sin, which is often so subtle that we unknowingly get caught in it then only realize it when its already too late. We must be wary of sin as it slowly creeps into our lives through the mundane, ordinary things of life. These are the sins that slowly accumulate and over time, these sins bog us down and make it harder for us to persevere in faithfulness.
2. Refocus Your Attention on God
One stormy night in the middle of the sea, Peter was commanded by Jesus to step out of the boat and walk on stormy waters (Matthew 14). Peter focused on Jesus as He beckoned him to come closer to Him. But when a strong gust of wind blew, Peter faltered and found himself sinking. He had lost his focus.
We all respond like Peter, many times over. We see God, feel God & love God when things are going well. But when the going gets tough, do we still focus our attention on Him instead of our situations?
3. Reconsider the Example of Christ
Hebrews 12:3 speaks of the discipline of God to be able to brave through the hostility that sinners like us bestowed on Him. Unthinkable as it may be, Jesus hurdled past barriers and suffered like no man ever could, so whenever we think of being less than a 100 percent for God, consider what He has done.
We must strive towards the goal no matter how difficult it may be, no looking back!
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