The Bible often uses sporting imagery to bring out spiritual principles. The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a fighter who trains and has purpose. He also speaks of the Christian life as a race to be run. Having just watched the Olympics, I thought we would consider a Scripture that gives us that perspective on faith.
Hebrews 12:1, "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."
Referring back to the great men and women of faith listed in chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews tell us that as you consider those in the past, you too can run your faith race with perseverance.
There are three important things he speaks about:
n Recognize those who have gone before you. The Bible is full of ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things for God. When you are faced with issues in your life, trials, problems or opportunities, look how God worked in the past and know that he still works today.
James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Days come and go, the sun rises and sets, the shadows are always moving, but God is always the same. The Bible declares, "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever." If God worked in times past, he can still deliver today.
n Throw off everything that holds you back. The modern marathon runner takes his brand new shoes and shaves off every extra ounce of rubber. They wear the lightest clothing. They do not carry any extra weight as they run. The Christian is to take that example to heart, tossing off everything that slows them down. It might be sin that entangles, it might be a relationship that is not in line with God's will. It might be indebtedness to finances. Whatever is slowing you down in your Christian race, throw it off.
n Run your race. Run with perseverance and endurance which comes as we keep our focus on Jesus Christ the one who authored and finishes our faith. So keep your eyes fixed on him and not on the situations you face nor on the troubles you have. Sure you have to deal with those issues, but as Jesus said.
Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Like the marathoner, run with perseverance, keep focused on your race and the finish line. The Olympics have the blue line to mark the marathon course, so the Christian course is clearly marked out in the Bible. Stay on course, endure in your faith, and there awaits a crown in heaven for those who endure.
Revelations 2:7, Jesus said, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
n Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
