Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

                                                                                                               Hebrews 12:1-2 

The Christian life is like a race and it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Today’s passage offers some practical reminders as to why we should focus on this spiritual race and the importance of having diligence, persistence, and endurance.

First, we are told to, “lay aside every encumbrance.” An “encumbrance” comes from a word that means, “bulk” or “impediment.” It is an obstruction, something that prevents either our participation or performance in the race. It would be like taking a marathon participant and loading that individual up with excessive weight. That might prove an effective training strategy but would be highly inappropriate on the day of competition. Spiritually, we are to lay aside anything that would act as an obstruction and impedes our ability to run.

Secondly, this would include sin. “Lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us.” Not everything that obstructs our running the race is sin. Sometimes good things can become idols and block our progress in the faith. Yet sin is always a daily threat to our making spiritual progress. “Entangled” comes from a word that means, “besetting” or “something that surrounds us.” But I like the translation of entangled because it so accurately describes what sin does to our spiritual lives.

If you have ever dealt with fishing line, you know that capacity that it has to get tangled up. And once the line is tangled, it is nearly impossible to get it straightened out again. Imagine trying to run a race with our feet tangled up in fishing line. It would be virtually impossible to run at all, much less compete. That is the effect that sin has on the Christian life. It doesn’t mean that we are no longer saved or in a relationship with Christ, but the effect that sin has on us can certainly limit our ability to “run the race set before us” with effectiveness and endurance.

But perhaps the most important aspect to successfully living a Christian life is to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” He is called the Author and Finisher of our faith.

The word “Author” can be defined as “one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example.” It is someone who acts as a predecessor in a matter or pioneer. In other words, Jesus is the Author of our faith because He came to set the example for us on how we are to live our lives. Anytime that we act like Christ we are demonstrating that we are godly. The opposite is also true. Failing to follow the example of Jesus would indicate our lack of understanding of what it truly means to be a godly man or woman. He is our example and we should seek to mimic His lead.

But in addition to being the Author, Jesus is also described as the Finisher of our faith. The word “Finisher” can be defined as “one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.” This word is very similar to the first in that it tells us that Jesus, as the Finisher of our faith, has given us the very best example of what a faithful life is to be.

Jesus ran His race in perfection, going to the cross on our behalf. Had He not, none of us would have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sin and none of us would have fellowship with God. But because He overcame every temptation, keeping His eyes focused on His purpose for coming to earth, He can now declare victory over sin and death. And as believers, so can we!

Jesus has set the example for us to follow. He took faith to its highest level of existence. Therefore, if we claim the name of Jesus, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Him and run the race that is set before us. The blessings and victory that come from our persevering in our faith cannot be measured in this life. So let’s cast aside everything that might act as an obstruction to our running and let’s avoid the entanglement of sin in our lives so that we can fulfill our calling and purpose.

A challenge: this may require a reprioritization of our lives and what is truly important to us. Are you ready to run your race?