If we want to run the race of faith with perseverance, we need to Learn from those who've gone before and we need to adjust our priorities.*
But we also need to identify our sins and turn from them:
“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
What a great word picture this Scripture provides: imagine running with ropes tangled around our legs. We'd be falling on our face not running a race!
Sin “easily entangles” holding us back, causing us to wallow in the dirt so we can't stand, let alone run. And this happens “easily.”
If we underestimate, excuse, or deny our sins, we begin pushing God's Word from our lives and calling God a liar (1 John 1:8-10)!
So let's focus on the prize and deliberately and carefully listen to our conscience, freeing us from the ropes of sin, and run our faith race un-entangled (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
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For additional insights, see the 1-minute devotion Running the Race of Faith and the short Bible study that goes with it Running the Race with Perseverance.
* See one-minute devotions about these other aspects of Hebrew 12:1-3:
1. Check Out the Great Cloud of Witnesses
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