Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)

 

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, Paul likens the Christian life to a race in which the Christian runs in earnest with his eyes fixed on a definite goal. Winning that crown of righteousness must be an all consuming desire of the runner (Philippians 3:12-13; James 1:12).  We must run as if there were blinders on our eyes so as to not let any distractions cause us to swerve to the right or left. Our race will not be an easy one.

 

I suggest to you three things that must be a part of our daily routine if we are to successfully endure to the end of the race and win the prize of the high calling of God:

 

       1.  Spend time each day talking with the Lord. It is so uplifting and comforting

            to the soul to spend some quiet moments praying to God (1 Thess. 5:17;

             Phil. 4:6; Rom. 12:12).

 

       2.  Be thankful for the peace of God that rules in your heart and every

            day remember to seek the Lord's blessing (Col. 3:15). Jesus tells us to ask

            and it will be given, seek and we will find, knock and it will be opened

            to us (Matt.7:7). We have the awesome privilege of being able to go

            boldly before the throne of grace where we will receive mercy and find

            help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

 

       3.  Take time for spiritual nourishment each day (1 Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:11-14;

            2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18). Feeding on his word, we let him be our guide

            (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This will be our means of placing every thought

             and motive under his control as we run the race (Col. 3:15-17;

            2 Cor. 10:3-5; Phil. 4:8).

 

My prayer is that all of us will be found running this Christian race every day in such a way that we can say: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me  the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, righteous Judge will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

 

Charles Hicks