Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. —Hebrews 12:1
We have all seen someone compete in a race of some kind. Whether it was a car race, a track competition, or a swimming event, there was one common element in each mode of racing—speed.
Speed is not just the result of horsepower or leg or arm power, but speed is also attained by reduced drag and weight. Race cars are kept as light as possible because lighter cars go faster and farther. Track shoes, too, are designed as light as possible in the hopes of running faster. Even swimsuits are designed with the lowest drag coefficient possible. All this is done in hopes of attaining greater speed and increasing endurance.
This principle is true for our Christian lives as well. Hebrews tells us we must contend with weights and sins detrimental to our endurance. Weights are not necessarily sinful in themselves, yet they drag us down and rob us of our energy and endurance. Sin, however, is exactly that—sin—and robs us of the joy meant to be part of the race.
It is easy to gradually increase our drag coefficient almost without knowing it. As weights are gradually added to our lives, we lose the zeal and commitment required for winning. Undealt with sin slowly wears down our endurance, much as a pulled muscle on a runner hampers efficient performance. Is something in your life weighing you down and stealing your time and commitment to the Christian race? Remember, this may be something that is not sinful in and of itself. Are you allowing a sin in your life to take your focus off the race and to slowly consume you? If either is true, lay it aside and watch your spiritual endurance increase immediately. Without a doubt, you’ll finish well the race set before you.
Most races conclude with a final burst of speed. Runners, swimmers, and cyclists all give a last kick. Sometimes we say they are putting “the pedal to the metal,” or, in the case of motor sports, running “wide open.” However, if the competitor is out of fuel because of bearing extra weight of some kind, the finish of the race may not be as exciting as it should be.
Run the race to win, and finish well. Lay aside the things that consume your energy and hinder your performance. Then, as you round the last turn of life, you will have plenty in reserve to finish well!
Excerpt from “Body Builders” now available on Amazon.
