Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

Running the Race

At one time or another, all of my kids were on a track and field team. As an observer, I noticed that there’s something beautiful about that sport. It lets you find your own lane, whether short distance or long, throwing heavy, awkward objects, or jumping through the air. You compete with other people, but you also compete with yourself. You are part of a team, and you are on a personal journey.

Running with perseverance the race that is set before us strikes me as a great metaphor for our faith journeys. We show up in the tradition of other followers of Christ, embracing the foundation of the great cloud of witnesses, and we bring who we are to the journey. We choose to follow Jesus when he leads us to a life of compassion, of generosity, with eyes open to laying aside our own sins. Deciding to prioritize living a life that is based on love and servanthood is a decision to join a team that is running against the grain of most parts of society. We are choosing to pick up the baton of practicing faith as the way we live our lives, as individuals and as part of a community.

Reflection Questions:

1) Who is in the cloud of witnesses you think of that shows you about what it means to live a life of faith?

2) Do you see practicing your faith more as an individual or a communal way of life?

3) What race of faith do you see yourself running?

Prayer: Dear God, Help me to intentionally choose to be on the race of living a life of faith in Christ. In Jesus Name, Amen