June 27, 2007
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
--Hebrews 12:1
One of the most important phrases in today’s verse is “let us run with endurance.” Now, that’s a constant challenge of the Christian life!
Physically speaking, running is one of the healthiest activities that we can do. Running is great for the cardiovascular system and helps promote health in a variety of ways. The problem is that many people, when they start jogging, try to run too hard and end up burning out in just a short period of time.
Unfortunately, the same can be true of our spiritual lives. Many of us run hard and fast for Christ, but quickly lose energy and heart and find ourselves out of strength. Why? Because we haven’t laid aside the things that hold us down. It’s like trying to run with weights tied to your ankles!
The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. And the only way you will be able to run with endurance is to do what the verse today says…to lay aside the sin in your life that weighs you down.
Are you struggling today in your walk with Christ? If so, take an honest look at your life and see if there is any sin that is un-confessed. If there is, confess it and cast it aside. When you do, you will find you will once again be able to run…and to do so with endurance.
CAST ASIDE ANY SIN THAT IS WEIGHING YOU DOWN, SO YOU CAN RUN WITH ENDURANCE.