The Apostle Paul loved to use metaphors to describe the Christian life. His three favorites were that of a soldier, a boxer, and a runner. His use of each was specific to a point he was making, but overall, they each carried with them a common theme – commitment. The soldier must be committed to the battle, the boxer to their training, and the athlete to preparing for the race. We also see a recuring theme of sacrifice in these metaphors.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
While the boxer and solider may have weight training included in their preparations, the runner does not. Extra bulk and weight slow the runner’s speed and the same is true for the spiritual application in Hebrews. Running the race with the extra weight of sin saps us of our endurance. The race that was once a joy becomes a burden and we become ensnared with other things. The Greek word translated “ensnares” means, “to stand still”.
There is a vivid picture of this in Psalm 1:
Psalm 1 – “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
When someone finds themself walking in ungodly counsel, they will soon come to a standstill spiritually and even open the door for scorning what they once loved. Instead of being happy to go to church it becomes an obligation. Bible reading is viewed as inconvenient instead of inspiring. Spiritual growth comes to a halt.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Paul is not saying that if you break the rules, you lose your salvation. But rather, if you burden yourself with weights and sins – as Hebrews says – your effectiveness in reaching others with the truth is hindered. This is far more important than obtaining a perishable crown. Living in a way wherein your flesh is in subjection to the Spirit in all things is the most effective way to run with endurance.
We are nearing the end of the race and there are many hurdles and obstacles the enemy is putting in our way. Running through or jumping over them requires laying aside things that hinder us.
We have all seen a long-distance runner who saves a kick for the end of the race – We’re at that stage in ours. So, let’s lay aside the endurance-robbing things of this life. Let’s run strong as we near the finish line and the imperishable crown that awaits us!
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
