The Race of Life

It has been said that life is not a sprint but a marathon.  This means that we need to train for this endurance race.  Every race has an objective; the athlete trains and exercises self-control for the purpose of winning a prize (1 Cor 9:24-25).   The race of life speaks about how well we live our lives here on earth before departing.   We can live a life that is either fulfilled or unfulfilled.  We can life for God and others or we can live for our own selfish ends. 

In Heb 12:1-2, the writer exhorts us to do three things as we prepare to run the race of life.  Firstly, we have to get rid of every encumberance or weight that would slow us down.  Marathoners don't wear heavy clothings (maybe for those who are running for fun); they wear light in order to be effective in traveling far and fast.  The analogy here is that sin in our lives will detract us from completing the race of life God has set before us.  Sin here does not just include transgressions against God but also those things which are not necessary infraction against God's laws.   It could be devoting an inordinate amount of time to a particular hobby or sport at the expense of cultivating intimacy with God or accomplishing what He has called us to do.  God would reveal it to us if we do take the time to be quiet in His presence.  The anti-dote for sin is to confess our sins (1 Jn 1:9) and to do an about turn (repentance).  Only then can we be moving on the right track again. 

Secondly, we are exhorted to run the race.  We will never complete the race if we stand still, even though we may feel very comfortable.  It's precisely when we start running we would be faced with all kinds of obstacles along the way.  Our bodies start to ache and all other vital organs signal to us to stop running.  When we are serious with God, we can expect the devil to attack us from all fronts to make us stop.  On the other hand, if we're very comfortable with the world, he will leave us alone knowing that we pose no threat to him.   The apostle Paul ran the race of life suffering hardships and great persecution from the Jews & Gentiles because they were unhappy about him preaching and teaching about Christ (2 Cor 11:23-28).  However, towards the end of his life, Paul was able to declare confidently, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7 NIV). 

Thirdly, we are asked to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  Jesus Himself completed the race of life when He was on earth.  He endured the cross and laid down His life willingness for you and I.  He is now at the right hand of God the Father, praying and interceding for all of us who draw nigh to Him (Heb 7:25).   When we begin to lose sight of our goal and focus in life, we can backslide and not reach our destination, like Peter who looked at the wind and started to sink (Mt 14:30).  We draw strength and courage to persevere on when we constantly look to Jesus.  The writer to Hebrews also tells us that there's a great cloud of witnesses (the heroes of faith) surrounding and cheering us on.   There is great power in encouragement; be an encourager yourself to someone who is down. 

Paul talked about discipling his body in order to win and not be disqualified (1 Cor 9:26-27).   The key to fullfiling any godly goals you have for 2012 is discipline.  Without discipline, a lot of resolutions would merely stay at the desire level.   With discipline and God's strength, many of the goals can be turned into great delight.  Make it your goal this year to spend time to build up your relationship with God.  This comes with a great promise: "Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart."  (Ps 37:4 NASB).   Wow! Isn't that amazing!