Run with endurance

This Sunday we looked at the external sin of adultery and the internal sin of lust.  Far too often we want to be able to say, “Look at me, I don’t do this or that,” but the reality is that people don’t judge us for eternity; God does.  And He knows the intent, thoughts and desires of your heart, and judges accordingly.  There is a passage I didn’t read this morning that I hope will encourage you in your pursuit of external and internal holiness. 

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.

The Lord is challenging and encouraging us in our everyday run/walk toward eternity.  There are victories that we should celebrate but not live on as the completion of our lives before the Lord.  Then there are sins which seemingly reach up and trip us because we allow them to exist and remain in our lives.  This describes lust pretty accurately.  Jesus calls us to lay these aside because not only will they trip us up, but they in no way enable or enhance our pursuit of Jesus in our race.  And further encouragement comes as He tells us to run with “endurance.” 

The Christian life is not a sprint;  it a marathon from the moment of our salvation until He calls us home.  May you lay aside anything that will hinder your running this race we are all called to run.  

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor