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1 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,
2 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.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:1-3 (KJV)
No doubt about it: We live in hard times. At times it seems the whole world is going to hell in a hand-basket, and loving every minute of it. We live in the age of the preacher-fornicator-child molesting-rapist, and porn-addicted parents who think nothing of defiling their own children. When I was young, I used to think the Whore of Babylon was an over-the-top hyperbole. Not any more. In an age where profanity and insanity rules, what’s a good Christian to do? Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we should look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the supreme example for our lives, and if we strive to be like Him, we will surely not live like the citizens of hell who populate this world.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
We are a spirit-mind-body unit. Whatever fills our spirit determines what our minds dwell on and where our bodies go. Keeping our eyes on Jesus takes practice, just as excellence in all things require practice. This means that living the Christian life does not occur by osmosis. You have work to do. Reading the word of God is mandatory. Not reading the word of God makes you ignorant regarding the will of God, which causes you to make mistakes. The mistakes you make (lying, stealing, sexual promiscuity, drug addiction are just a few) cause grievous injury to you and the people in your life. Many mistakes have fatal consequences, like AIDS, abortion, and drug overdose.
Knowing the will and ways of God as revealed in scriptures, and having access to the power of the Holy Spirit, gives you the power to reject evil thoughts and actions. You will have the ability to fear and love the Lord, and to love others as you love yourself. You will have compassion on for the poor and the unsaved. You will be willing to help those in need, and you will be given wisdom and instruction for how to help others. You will value your resources and use them wisely. Living the life of Christ makes you honest, selfless, and resourceful. These are all qualities that help to make the world a better place. A righteous life shines as a beacon of light in a wicked world. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Jesus says:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Be Encouraged by Those Who Ran the Race Before You
Jesus is our primary example and encourager. We are also encouraged by “the great cloud of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. This passage is not talking about the ghosts of ancestors. It refers to those who have died, whose spirits are now with the Lord. Hebrews 11 mentions many who are in the Faith Hall of Fame, such as Abel, Abraham, Jacob, Rahab, and even Lot. Many of us have believing parents and grandparents who have prayed silently on our behalf for year. Those prayers do not cease getting answers when they go on to be with the Lord. No, their prayers and their faith continue to live and affect our lives. Righteous men and women who came before us in the Christian life should inspire us to have the mind of Christ, and live righteous lives.
Run a Good Race, for Jesus’ Sake
Our Savior endured much in order to make our salvation possible. This should inspire us. When you’re tired of trying to do the right thing when all you see is wicked people getting ahead at your expense, consider Jesus. Think on Him. Think about those who lived before you. Remember how they wandered in the wilderness, faced scorn and death. Recall how the elders in your community worked long hours in unsafe factories, picked cotton, had houses stolen and family members murdered. Recall those who stood in picket lines, and fought for the rights so many of us take for granted.
Jesus, didn’t get tired and give up. It gave Him joy to suffer so that we might be saved. So,
“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.”
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
(Twitter handle: @vlights)
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© 2013 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.
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