Run Your Race Well

As we move closer to our Senior Sunday on May 3rd, I want to focus our thoughts each week on some lessons that are not only good for our seniors to dwell on as they enter into this next phase of their life, but are also reminders to all of us.

Hebrews 12:1–2 says, “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.”

Notice how the writer describes the Christian life. He describes it more as a marathon than a sprint. Our seniors have reached the first real milestone of their life’s marathon. This can be a time of excitement, but also of stress and concern. Questions about what to do next or what they will become are flooding their minds. This is also true in our spiritual lives. We have moments when we feel strong and moments when we feel tired. There will be seasons where the path is clear and seasons where it is difficult. In those moments, the goal is not to quit. The goal is to keep running.

Hebrews also tells us how to do that. We lay aside the weights that slow us down. Not every weight is sinful, but some things are still heavy enough to hinder our walk with Christ. We also lay aside the sin that entangles us. As they approach this great accomplishment there are many things that will try to weigh them down. Things like whether to attend school or go to work, what career path to choose, and what they want in their life. We as Christians face tough decision every day! Sometimes, just the stress of life can weigh us down and keep us from “running our race”, but we have to trust God and allow Him to remove those things that get in our way or distract us.

Then, most importantly, we keep our eyes where they belong: on Jesus. When we fix our eyes on Him, we remember why we run. We remember who we are. We remember where we are headed. Jesus is not only the author of our faith. He is the finisher. He is the One who strengthens us to endure. We must remember that the goal is Heaven. The journey might be long, but the reward is worth it! When we get distracted, we must refocus our faith and remain on the right path.

So here is the challenge for this week. When life gets complicated and you’re not sure what to do, keep running! Do not drift. Do not coast. Do not let distractions pull you off course. Keep going, keep growing, and keep your eyes on Christ. Because finishing strong is not about talent, it is about faithfulness.

Always remember, you are loved.

Eric