We Christians are running a race!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
-- Hebrews 12:1-2 --- cross

In today's passage, the author of Hebrews compares living the
spiritual life to running a race. Now imagine running a race with barbells on your shoulders or wearing scuba diving
equipment. While that sounds ridiculous, it's essentially what many Christians try to do when they hold onto sin in their lives!

Now the Scripture tells us in Romans 14:23 that "Whatever does
not proceed from faith is sin." That means that when you're not accomplishing what God wants you to do by faith, you
are living in sin!

So often, people come up and tell me, "Pastor, I just feel
stagnant in my walk with Christ and I don't know why." But
do you know what their problem usually is? They aren't living by faith. Sure, they're moral people and live good lives, but they've never really stepped out and completely trusted God.

Their 'walk' is just that, a walk and not a race!

Now in your race, you may be avoiding the sins of commission like drunkenness and lust. But are you unknowingly committing sins of omission like not serving others or failing to step out in faith?

My prayer is that you learn to trust in God with everything: your relationships, your finances, and even your own life. When you begin to do that, your spiritual race will be taken to whole new levels, and you will finish well!

DON'T GROW STAGNANT IN YOUR SPIRITUAL RACE, BUT ENTRUST
EVERYTHING TO GOD AND BOLDLY RUN THE RACE SET BEFORE YOU!

--Jack Graham

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]