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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]”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.” -Hebrews 12:1
I think of the many races I’ve ran throughout my high school career, some better than others, some unreal that still give me shivers today and some I’d rather not remember. Some of the races I ran, I wasn’t positive on which way the course ran and since I never lead a cross country race, I just followed everyone else.
On one occasion, during my freshman year in an all freshman boys race, we all went the wrong way! For over a mile all the freshman boys ran the wrong direction and had to be chased after with a bike and told to restart! We were the laughing stock of the day and I was never allowed to forget that race, even as a senior and team captain. My coach would also jokingly remind me on occasion, especially at the team banquet in front of everyone as he prepared to give me an award.
Often times in sports and especially in life we don’t know which way to go and haven’t been told by others. During these times, it’s easy for us to just follow the crowd, as I did. It’s certainly the easier thing to do. Had I discussed the course better with my coach and made sure I knew every turn, then I would have made the right turn and people would have followed, seeing that I knew the way.
As Christians, we don’t have to follow everyone else and hope that it takes us to our desired destination. Jesus has already come and not only told us the way to life everlasting, but showed us. He has told us which road leads to death and which leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). When people see that we not only know the way but we KNOW the Way, they will follow. As Christians, we should be running the race with perseverance as others follow. Beware though that they aren’t following you, but Jesus, for the next part of the Hebrews passage says: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning it’s shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lost heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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