Running the Christian Race: Hebrews 12:1

What Choices Do You Make?

Would you say that you do not believe in Jesus Christ or the truths of the bible if someone had a gun to your head and would shoot you if you said you did? Many of us will say we would not make such a denial. We would strongly claim that we would stand firm in our faith even if it meant that we would die. Just like Peter, who told Jesus that although all men forsake Hin he would not do so. When the test came, he denied Jesus three times.  We may sincerely believe we would not deny our faith, however, under pressure or with our lives at stake many of us would do otherwise. Does this mean that we are bad people or liars? Does it mean that we do not love the Lord Jesus?

 

As a litmus test, let us look at the choices we make in everyday situations. If your boss tells you to agree that someone said or did something they didn’t, would you refuse to do so regardless of the consequences? We make everyday choices to fit in, to benefit ourselves, to hurt others whom we envy, to gain favor with people in positions of power, for money, or for a myriad of other reasons. If we do not make right and ethical choices in everyday situations it is highly unlikely that we will do so whenever our lives are at stake. Some of us will make bad choices just to impress others, often failing to remember that God is always witnessing what we do. Our pastor, church brethren, or friends may not be there, but He is.

 

The Book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and discouragement. It is relevant to us today because we are also facing trials and discouragement. Hebrews 12 in the Bible is a chapter that encourages Christians to persevere in their faith despite challenges and hardships. The "Christian race" mentioned in Hebrews 12 is a metaphorical reference to the journey of faith that believers undertake. The chapter begins by describing a great cloud of witnesses, referring to the faithful individuals who have gone before, and it encourages believers to run the race set before them with endurance.

 

The author of Hebrews 12:1 wrote, "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" So, how are you performing in the Hebrews 12:1 race? Before you answer let us ensure that we know what the race is about.

 

Understanding the Race

The metaphor of a race suggests the idea of a journey, endurance, and striving toward a goal. In the Christian context, it emphasizes the importance of staying steadfast in faith, overcoming obstacles, and keeping one's focus on Jesus as the ultimate example and source of strength. The race is not a competition against other believers but rather a personal journey of faith, growth, and obedience to God's will.

 

This race is not about how fast we run. It is more about what we do during the race. In other words, how we run it. We each have to run the race in our individual lanes. Just as it is with a track race, the finish line is the same for everyone, but each runner is assigned a lane to run in. The lanes we are assigned are the circumstances in which we live, the issues we have to deal with, the decisions we take, and the resulting consequences we face. At the outset, we have no control over some of the circumstances, just as in life. We did not choose the family that we were born in, the color of our skin, or whether we would be tall or short. As life goes on, however, influences and choices help to shape how we live and the outcome of our lives.

 

The bible makes many references to our lives as a race, is it a sprint or a long-distance race?  In First Corinthians 9: 24 it says “Know ye not that those who run in a race all run, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain it.” What is the prize that we are running for?

 

The Lord teaches us that he has given us 70 years to run the race of life to gain eternal life. Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. At that appointed time we shall all receive a crown. 1 Peter 5:4: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Also, in 1 Corinthians 9: 25 “And every man that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

 

Why are receiving a crown? Revelation 5:10 “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Also, 1 Corinthians 6:2 “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?” What a prize! You and I shall reign, rule, and judge the world with our husband the Lord Jesus Christ. I have still not been able to comprehend what this will be like or even express what it feels like. This, however, is our hope and goal.

 

Hebrews 12 makes it clear that there will be great trials as the enemy of our soul will be trying his best to cause us to lose our prize. This is why Jesus said to run in this race requires endurance, discipline, and focus. To encourage us the writer reminds us that we are not alone in this race, many have gone before us who have also suffered similar trials. He refers to them as a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and are cheering us on from the grandstands of heaven. These witnesses are the saints of old who are the heroes of faith mentioned in chapter 11, such as Abraham, Moses, David, and many others. They are witnessing our struggles in this life and are urging us to press on.

 

Lose Excess Weight to Run with Endurance

Usually, athletes prepare for a race. This preparation involves conditioning their bodies to produce peak performance when they are competing in a race. They may have to lose weight to perform better. The verse continues, "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." Here, we're encouraged to shed anything that weighs us down and hinders our progress. Just as a runner sheds unnecessary weight and clothing to run more efficiently, we're called to let go of sin, distractions, and burdens that hinder our spiritual race.

 

Maybe you have a hobby that takes priority over your church involvement or your family responsibilities. Maybe you have a relationship that is not honoring God or edifying you. Maybe you have a possession that you are attached to or obsessed with. It could even be watching TV or playing video games too much. These things may not be wrong in themselves, but they can become weights if they take our eyes off Jesus and our focus off the race. They can also make us weary and sluggish in our running. That's why we need to examine our lives and ask ourselves: Is there anything that is weighing me down? Is there anything that I need to lay aside or give up for the sake of the race? Maybe you struggle with anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, gossip, lying, lust, greed, pride, envy, or another sin that the Bible warns us about.

 

If we want to run with endurance, we need to simplify our lives and eliminate any unnecessary distractions. We need to prioritize what matters most: our relationship with God, our service to His kingdom, and our love for His people. We need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

 

Think of a runner who is preparing for a marathon. They meticulously train, eat right, and prioritize rest to optimize their performance. Similarly, as believers, we must train ourselves spiritually through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, witnessing, and regular attendance at church services. These activities will help us in the race for a life with Christ for eternity.

 

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus - the Prize

The key to excelling in the race is fixing our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith." He is our example and inspiration. He is the one who initiated our faith by dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the dead for our justification. He is also the one who completes our faith by interceding for us at the right hand of God and preparing a place for us in heaven. Jesus is not only the goal of our race but also the one who empowers us to run with endurance. He ran the ultimate race, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. When we focus on Him, we find strength, motivation, and direction for our own journey of faith.

 

Jesus ran the race before us and finished it with excellence. He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He faced opposition, suffering, and death, but He did not give up or give in. He obeyed the Father's will and accomplished His mission. He is the author and finisher of our salvation. That's why we need to look to Jesus as our model and motivation. We need to imitate His character and His conduct. We need to follow His teachings and His commands. We need to trust His promises and His power. We need to fix our eyes on Him and not on the things that are seen but on the things that are unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18).

 

If we want to run with endurance, we need to look to Jesus as our leader and our reward. He is the pioneer and the champion of our race. He is also the judge and the giver of our crown. He is the one who calls us, guides us, strengthens us, and cheers us on. He is the one who awaits us, welcomes us, and crowns us at the finish line.

 

Consider a hiker navigating a challenging trail. To avoid stumbling, they keep their eyes fixed on the path ahead rather than looking down or getting distracted by the surroundings. An athlete in a race is focused on executing all segments of their race well, so they concentrate on their technique as they try to get to the finish line. Similarly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the trailblazer of our faith, to navigate life's ups and downs successfully.

 

Applying the Race to Our Lives

Every believer's race looks different. Some may face health challenges, relationship struggles, or financial difficulties. Regardless of the obstacles, the principles of Hebrews 12:1 apply to all. We're called to persevere, shed hindrances, and fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to lead us victoriously to the finish line.

How are we performing in this race? Are we doing well or poorly? Are we running with endurance or with fatigue? Are we running with joy or with sorrow? Are we slowing down? Are we laying aside every weight and sin or are we carrying unnecessary burdens? Are we looking to Jesus or are we distracted by the world?

 

Keep Going

The Hebrews 12:1 race is not easy, but it is a worthwhile race. It is a race that tests our faith, but also grows our faith. It is a race that challenges us, but also blesses us. It is a race that honors God and benefits others. In this race of faith, every step counts. The everyday choices and decisions we make count. Let’s examine ourselves to see if there is anything that we need to lay aside or do to improve our performance. Let us also encourage one another and spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us continually evaluate our performance, shedding anything that hinders us and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Whether we're sprinting through seasons of joy or trudging through valleys of despair, may we run with endurance, knowing that our ultimate prize is Jesus Christ Himself So, how are you performing in the Hebrews 12:1 race?