Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin which 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.
We are not just in any race. We are in a race that is waged daily over men’s souls. I regularly have to remind myself of that fact. I would very nicely want to get into the routine of life without recognizing that there are only two things that matter – people and the word of God. We had some longtime dear friends over Friday that we had not seen in a while until a recent wedding. As I have gotten older the importance of gaining friendships is so much more important than it ever has been. Today after our baseball game, I hung around with our team. They have a post-game social event after every game and I usually skip out. I am very comfortable competing between the “white lines” but it is work for me to actually be social. However, since I know many of them may not know the Lord, it has become increasingly important for me to get to know them outside the “white lines”. Given up to my carnal self, I would avoid all human contact and live on an island somewhere.
So this race is not just any race. It is defined by the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Our role in that Great Commission is unique to us. God uses all sorts of divine appointments to give us a “custom race”. I pray that I can run in such a way as to win the prize as Paul states. It is interesting that Jesus marks the race, but He also gives us the means to win the race. The stamina and strength are only truly possible with His life through me.
If Only It Was Colder
6 years ago
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