Every Christian is running this race. However, many times, Christians turn their race into a rat race. The rat race is a way of life in which people fiercely compete with one another to amass wealth, position, and influence. This aggressive competition can undermine Christian values. A Christian can easily be enticed into the rat race because it appeals strongly to human nature. However, there is a race that has eternal value that Christians should run.
This race is essential because we did not set the race ourselves, nor did we establish the rules for running it. This race is explained by the Author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12: 1-2,
“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”.
Four important things are discussed in the above two verses.
- A great cloud of witnesses.
In the passage, we Christians are surrounded by many witnesses. These witnesses are mentioned in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Fame of faith. These Old Testament saints ran their race despite incredible difficulties, persevering and following the rules. They did not run the race to please themselves. They ran the race to please God. Their lives of faith live on through the pages of Scripture, for us to emulate. These heroes have run this race before us, and they succeeded; so can we. These clouds of witnesses are now our cheerleaders, cheering and encouraging us not to give up the race. Their faith and endurance are meant to motivate and inspire us to endure temptations and trials that can hinder us from finishing strong. We are inspired by their incredible endurance and unwavering belief in the Lord Jesus, whatever may come our way.
- Discipline – “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.”
We are to throw off everything that hinders. Two things are mentioned: weight and sin. What is weight? To run a race, the athlete wears a jersey. An athlete does not wear a flowing dress or shoes that can slip or hinder movement. Although these are legitimate, they will slow down the athlete or even cause him to fall. The athlete will lay that aside and wear the jersey and running shoes. Therefore, weight may be legitimate, but when it endangers our relationship with God, we must be disciplined to lay it aside; we must throw off every weight. Secondly, in our discipline, let us discard the sin that so easily entangles us. We must ask ourselves this question. What is that sin that so effectively traps me? What is that sin that consumes my energy and keeps me from following God wholeheartedly? The Bible says in Ephesians 4:22 that,
“You were taught, about your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;”
- Endurance – “and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Often, we believe that enduring means folding our hands and doing nothing. Endurance is not passive but active. An athlete strives to get to the finish line. He endures the pain, running without giving up. The author of Hebrews exhorts Christians not to give up but to remain determined, just as the Old Testament saints mentioned in Hebrews 11. This race is our Christian life. It’s not a sprint, but a lifelong marathon. Unwavering faith in Jesus enables Christians to know that God does not abandon His own; therefore, they are empowered to face trials and overcome because of the assurance of God’s presence with them.
- Looking unto Jesus – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
In the Great Hall of Faith, as described in Hebrews 11, we are presented with examples of believers who trusted God and endured in their faith. There are also many Christians around us who, despite all odds, live lives of faith that please God. However, the most excellent example of Christian race is Jesus Christ. Jesus participated in the race of faith to show us how to run the race. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He ran the race perfectly without stumbling, sliding, or falling and finished well. If we sum up Jesus’ life on earth, it can be summarized in one phrase: to please the Father. Jesus said,
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me – John 5:30.
Jesus came to the world to teach us the secret of running the Christian race successfully. If we can please the Father in the choices of life, and we do not seek our own will but the will of the Father, the rat race will be replaced with the marathon of the Christian race effortlessly. Let us imitate Jesus.Keep your eyes on Jesus. However challenging or lengthy the race may be, we will finish in the loving arms of the Lord. He encourages us, watches over us, and intercedes for us – Hebrews 7:25.
Above all, Jesus is waiting at the finish line to welcome us to our eternal home, to give us the crown that cannot fade. This is the greatest motivation to keep us running the race despite suffering and temptation.