The Christian Race

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

A look at these verses shows us we are running a race together. Christ called us to put off the weight of every sin that doth so easily make us stumble. And these are listed in in Colossians 3:18; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication. Once you have taken off this sin, now put on the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Now let us run with patience, not criticizing or comparing one another but having patience and helping one another on the journey. This is not a competition to finish first or to see who does the best. We have a call to link arms with one another and guide each other on the way to glory land. Our human nature tends to look at the person on the path beside and compare or measure their blessings and hardships against what we are experiencing. But this is not what Christ commands us to do. He calls us to look to Him and help the person beside us. They may run beside us for only a short time before the Lord calls one of us to run behind or go ahead. So with the short time you have with these people encourage, build, and strengthen them. They may be facing a battle you do not know. I am so blessed to have the Author and Finisher of our faith giving me guidance as I run beside struggling Brothers and Sisters. As you go throughout the next part of your race, look beside you and encourage the Brother or Sister beside you.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 Take these words to heart and let no corrupt communication come out as you run beside each Child

With Love, Jess