“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.” Hebrews 12:1
February 25, 2026
The Christian life is a long distance run, not a sprint. The writer of Hebrews wants his readers, Hebrew Christians, to draw encouragement from those who have finished the race of having lived a life that honors God. Healthy self-examination can determine how we will cross the finish line. God has marked out for each of us our own race course. For some, more hills, more flat stretches, turns, heat, cold, obstacles to overcome. Post this on the wall of your mind. We must put aside anything that hinders our progress. As one observer has put it, “A hindrance is something, otherwise good, that weighs you down spiritually.” It could be a habit, a friendship, an aspiration, a hobby, a place, a pleasure, entertainment, a house, a boat, sports. “A good athlete does not choose between the good and the bad; he chooses between the better and the best” (Warren Wiersbe). Self-discipline is required for godliness and running with endurance over the long haul. Is there something that is holding you down in the pursuit of knowing God better?
H
Reflections:
Is scrolling through some of your favorite web sites eating up too much time? Who are your role models? What kind of person do you think you ought to be or want to be?