Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. (Hebrews 12:1 GW)
We are running a spiritual race to reach the perfection of our faith. We are encouraged to continually exercise our faith with patience and perseverance, more than the ways athletes do to win earthly crowns. Their crowns are very much less valuable than the crown of life, if we reach the finish line. Lay aside all weights and distractions to run the race. They will slow you down and make you lose the race. Run according to the rules to include honesty, fairness and obedience to the judge or you will be disqualified and get thrown out of the race in humiliation and despair. Along the way, you may tire, stumble and/or get hurt. Do not quit, be of good courage. Keep your focus on Christ, our champion and leader. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
