“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.
The author of the race sets the rule how the race should be run. If you follow the rule set by the
author of the race you will receive prize. If you disregard the rules set by the author, you will not
be crowned no matter how much you accomplish. “A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the
LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The
watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1. Note that even though the Lord did not build it the
house still got built. However, because the Lord did not build it, all the effort and resources put
into building it become vain labour. It is not enough to be running the correct race but it is
equally important that you run it according to the rule the Lord has set. “And athletes cannot win
the prize unless they follow the rules.” 2Tim.2:5 NLT. It does not matter what your God given
race may be the rules are the same and they are not hidden. They are found in the Bible. Let us
look at some of the rules.
You must live a life of purity. “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. Sin is disobedience to the word of God. “Everyone who practices sin also practices
lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness [ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating
wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will].” 1John 3:4 AMP You have an
adversary who is the devil. He is interested in your failure. Sin grants him access into your life
especially if you do not quickly repent. “And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into
sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”
Eph.4:27 AMP