"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 entanges, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right had of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition fron sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)Spiritual Exercise #3 for the new year is: Run the race of faith! (v. 1c) We need to get in the race! Every believer is to be in the race, not sitting on the sidelines. When the Scripture says to "run with perseverance"--this tells us it is not always going to be easy. The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon.
The root of the word translated "race" is the word "agon" from which we get our word "agony." It signifies an athletic endeavor in which we will face the desire to quit, to throw in the towel because the going gets tough. The Christian life involves discipline--it can't be done on auto-pilot. We are either advancing or back-sliding. The Chrisitan race is NOT running in place!
