1 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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1

For fitness, some people run with weights in their hands or with them strapped around parts of their bodies. I must say I don’t envy them, but I’m sure it helps their cause. I have recently started running in the mornings and sometimes I skip while I run. I’m hoping it will be good for my fitness, but generally I can only do a short distance at a time. I can only handle round a couple of blocks in that format. If I am to do a 10km run, I would definitely leave the skipping rope and all weights behind as they would hinder me from finishing the race.

If we are to run the race of life with the perseverance that it requires, we are to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Sadly, we tend to carry and hold on to so much junk while we try to run the race of life. This junk comes in all forms – personal issues and emotions, habitual sin, busyness. Sometimes it could be something good as well that keeps us from the best. A story is told of a Prime Minister who when taking up office decided to give up gambling and the violin. Gambling I can understand, but violin? Well, anything that would keep him from being the best Prime Minister that he could be had to go.

What things in your life are keeping you from being the best follower of Jesus that you can be? What do you need to do to throw them off? Do you need to speak to someone to help you and keep you accountable?

Our motivation is Jesus. What will help you is if you fix your eyes on him. Remember how he endure the suffering to the cross. He himself kept his eyes on the joy that was set before him – an eternity in the presence of His Father in all the glory of heaven with people from every nation, tongue and tribe that would be cleansed and forgiven through the blood that he would shed. Keep your eyes on Him; that will help you throw off the casino and the violin. This will help you to run.

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