Your Race

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 us, and let us run with perseverance the raced marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

Hebrews 12:1 took on a whole new meaning for me this past weekend as I walked in (and completed) my first half marathon (13.1 miles).

As one of my girlfriends and I were walking, we noticed along the way that some fellow race participants had removed shirts, hats and gloves and left them along the roadway. She pointed out that these articles of clothing must have gotten in their way and they had abandoned them, but would probably pick them up on the route back. However, as we were doubling back I was somewhat surprised to see that some of the items were still where their owners had left them.

The Christian life is often compared with a race. As in any race, there’s a prize. Our prize is to spend eternity with Jesus. To run (or walk) your race well, you may have to abandon some things along the way just like our fellow half marathon racers. Is there anything hindering your walk with the Lord? If so, it’s time to leave it on the side of the road, not to be picked up again. Fix your eyes on the prize, never looking back or wavering in running the race set for you.

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 hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

The New You

Makeover shows are some of the most watched programs on television. Who hasn’t cried over an episode of Extreme Home Makeover or cringed over the pre-makeover outfits of a What Not to Wear nominee. The truth is, we’re fascinated with these shows and their concept of changing people’s lives for the better.

Believe it or not, you’re starring in your very own makeover show. Second Corinthians 5:17 says that if you are in Christ, you are a new creation. As a Christian, you’ve undergone an extreme makeover.

You are no longer who you used to be.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. (Ephesians 2:1-3 NIV)

Now you can say,

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. . .(Ephesians 2:4-6 NIV)

Knowing who you are in Christ is the first step in discovering your divine assignment.