Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Last night at our Bible study, the group discussed how easy it is to trip up in our Christian walk when we try to do things on our own.

If you’ve ever run on an uneven surface you know how easy it is to be tripped up and landing face down on the ground. I like to think that the writer of Hebrews has this picture in mind when he mentions that “sin that so easily entangles.” What is most like to cause you to stumble? Does anger and bitterness weigh you down at times? A habit or addiction? Are you struggling with pleasing people and compromising what you know is right?

Remember our daily walk is a race…a marathon. Have you noticed that once someone approached the finish line, they actually accelerate? In order to finish strong, everyone of us should follow Paul’s example given in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Like the writer of Hebrews, Paul reminds us of the importance of avoiding the obstacles that threaten to derail us. You know the areas of challenge in your life so will you do as Paul and live a disciplined life?

Will we be running the race with endurance and looking to Christ? Will we finish strong? Will we be the kind of people who inspire others to run the race well?