The Race

How are you doing with the race that you have entered since you became a believer, or don’t you realize that you are even in a race at all?  I used to jog some and when I did I would wear as little as possible, so I wouldn’t be encumbered with anything that would weigh me down or cause me to lose my momentum.  I raced very little, but the same rules applied to that activity also.    When runners run a race, they get rid of everything that will hinder them.  They normally wear a shirt, a pair of shorts, socks and shoes and whatever they wear under their shorts, in other words, they wear as little as possible because they don’t want any extra weight that would slow them down.

According to the Apostle Paul, as believers we are all competing in a spiritual race, read Hebrews 12:1-2, “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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

What is the main hindrance to the spiritual race, the thing that will weigh you down and cause you to lack joy and peace and endurance and strength in your race?  Don’t forget that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  The thing that hinders us the most is called sin.  Sin is like the weight that hinders those that are in a road race from finishing or winning the race.  The natural man or woman is in it to win a worldly prize, compared to the believer who is looking for a spiritual prize and to honor their God. 

It takes preparation to run a natural race and be the best at it.  It takes mental preparation as well as physical preparation.  It takes hours and hours of practice and a healthy diet.  I think it also takes a positive person with a determined attitude that they can be the best.  I also think you need to be gifted by God to be the very best at running or any other activity you chose to excel in, whether you give Him the glory or choose not to. 

If you are a true believer, you should know that unless the Lord build the house you labor in vain that build it regardless of what ministry you are in.  In other words, unless the Lord is moving in the ministry it will never be as effective as it could be.  God doesn’t always anoint the person, but His Word never returns to Him void but it will accomplish whatever it goes out for because His Word is alive and active and sharper than any two-edge sword cutting to the bone and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Think about this; have you ever heard of a person giving their life to the Lord because a Christian tract stuck to their shoe when they were walking down the street or maybe they picked up one in a store bathroom or some other place, but the results were the same. 

What I am saying is not negative, but the truth.  I know a pastor that was devouring some of the sheep, so to speak, instead of feeding them and I am sure that could be said of others, but I thank the Lord for those that are obedient to the Lord and are there for the right reason, striving for perfection trying to rid themselves of every weight and the sin that can easily entangle them.  This is what every believer should be doing to be successful in running their race!! They should be striving for perfection, hating sin, spending time in the Word and in prayer and praising the Lord and striving and trying their best to honor the Lord and live a righteous life that will bring Him glory, honor and praise because He loves you and He is worthy!! I hope this has been an encouragement and also a help and a blessing!!

May you have a super, super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours with His perfect peace, love and joy and health and happiness!!