Running Shoes

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12: 1-3)

There are many images presented in the Bible that are both literal and figurative. The running of a race is one such image. Some of us like to "go for a run", while others have no desire to do so. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not given a choice. We are to wear running shoes every day. And we are to run.

Each of us has been given a race marked out especially for us by the Creator of the universe. Your race is not mine; mine is not yours. While the races are all different, God has given all of us the same directives about how to run:

• We are to get rid of everything that hinders us.
• We are to avoid sin.
• We are to persevere.
• We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering all that He endured on our behalf.
• We are to not grow weary and not lose heart.

The most important in this list is to fix our eyes on Jesus. To focus upon Jesus enables us to accomplish all the other directives. Without the proper focus, we can do nothing.

As a PW, how does this specifically apply to you and me? Consider if there is anything that hinders your race. Have you been hurt by comments made to you or others within the church? Give that hurt to Jesus. Have you been tempted to sin? Confess the sin and avoid it! Are you weary and worn? Upgrade your training regimen by spending more time with your Trainer and His Book. Last, remember that your goal is not to please the church leadership or its members. Your goal is to win the prize for which God has called you. Forget the past and keep running!

"...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me....But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."               (Philippians 3: 12a-14)