“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with
patience 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 is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be
wearied and faint in your minds.
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness
springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Heb 12:1-4, 15.
Lay aside every weight. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of
witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially
the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set
before us.” Heb 12:1 NLT. Weights are not necessarily sin. They can be habits,
relationships, things in your life that are not sinful but they slow you down in your race.
What may be weight to you may not be a weight to another person. To understand what
is a weight in your life you need to understand what your race is. Secondly, you should
have a strong desire not only to run your race but also to finish it well, with joy and be
crowned at the end. Thirdly, you must understand what is required to accomplish these
objectives. Apostle Paul was an example of a man who ran his race well. Let us look at
some of the secrets of his success.
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may
finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to
the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24. NKJV
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run
to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade
away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So, I run with purpose in every step. I am not just
shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” 1Cor.9:24-
27 NLT
““All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all
things build up.” 1Cor 10:23 ESV.
Before you entertain any thought, speak or do something ask yourself this question: Will
it help the race I am running? If it will not, it will be better to refrain from it. If it will work
against your race or slow you down or distract you from your race, that thing will be
considered a weight.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
To run your race well you must determine not to dwell on or tolerate anything that does
not help you run your race successfully.