The Rules of the Race

UV 1319/10,000 The Rules of the 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,

Hebrews 12 v 1

We are encouraged by the stories of faith and the testimony of a large number of people in the course of our lives. The witness of the faithful is like a rain-bearing cloud. It will water the root of faith even if it is growing in dry ground. We should study the lives of Biblical personalities like Moses, Joshua, David, Peter, John, Paul as well as contemporary heroes of faith. We should understand the depth of their faith and how they overcame the great obstacles, barriers and difficulties that they endured and overcame. We should avoid their errors and wrong choices. Their faith, example and teachings leave us a spiritual compass that will guide us in the direction in which we should move every day of our lives. Our faith should be so edified or built up on solid foundations to enable us to cast aside everything that weighs down on our minds and hearts. We should also throw away every vestige of sin and temptation that so easily contaminates our faith. We should focus on Jesus who is the one who began our faith. He is faithful and will enable us to complete our race of faith.

There is a different kind of race set for each believer. The circumstances are unique and different for everyone. What is common is the need for patience, stamina and endurance and the focus on Jesus who is watching us run and sending us present help. His angels are hovering overhead to clear the obstacles and barriers in our way. A runner needs strength from within. The Holy Spirit is encouraging us to keep moving ahead. He helps us and strengthens us from within. The race is non competitive. Our competition is not with each other. If anything we should strive to do better than ourselves in all that we do, speak and think. Our struggle is with the enemy of our souls and the obstacles he brings in our paths. The Word of God sets the rules for the race. Every winner or finisher of the race receives an eternal reward.
The race of faith is not run huffing and puffing. We are in it for the long haul. Every day is a step closer to the finishing line. The finishing line coincides with our last breath. We are therefore to be mentally prepared to remain in the race lifelong. We are to prepare ourselves by daily casting down anything that weighs us down. The Lord wants us to run unhindered and full of the joy of the Holy Spirit. We should not look at our circumstances but at the reward that is waiting us in eternity. Our lives are a long distance race. Speed is not what is needed but the will to plod on slowly but surely and steadfastly. The hope that sustains us every day is that of being rewarded and hearing the words of the Master of the human race, Jesus, “ Well done, you good and faithful athlete. You have run the race. You have fought the good fight.”




Prateep V Philip