Each day that God has given us is an extension. Are we using each day to do God’s will in our life? Let us read from Hebrews 12:1,2, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Each of us have a race to run. Some have completed a major part of it and some may have just started. We are to run this race fixing our eyes on Jesus. Jesus also ran this race looking at the joy set before Him. Can we also see this joy set before us? Are we able to lay aside every sin and encumbrance? When we go to the bank to get a loan, they ask us for various documents including an encumbrance certificate. There is no liability with this certificate. Whatever are our encumbrances; we have to set it aside.
In Romans 3:23 we read, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Anything that falls short of the glory of God is sin. In our lives, how can we overcome this sin that entangles us? Sin may be in the way of money, in the way we spend our time, in the way of lust. Only by looking at Jesus who shed His blood for us can we overcome sin. In Luke 14:33 we read, “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” Possessions may be different for each one – it may be money or honor. We can’t follow Jesus and hold onto our possessions.
In Genesis 3 we read of the fall of man. In verse 6 we read, “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Satan deceived Eve and she fell into the trap of attraction to what she saw. She gave importance to the created thing and not to the creator. We are also faced with this temptation daily. This is why it is important to look to Jesus at all times and focus our eyes on Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 11:2, 3 we read “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” How careful we must be daily! How much importance we have to give to the simple and pure devotion of Christ!
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we read, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” Paul talks here about the importance of self-control and discipline. Are we feeding ourselves with spiritual food or with things of this earth that may attract us more into this world. Let us examine ourselves! Are we giving our bodies everything it wants or is there self-control?
In 2 Timothy 4:6-8 we read what Paul says towards the end of his life. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Till the last moment of your life, will you keep your faith like Paul? There is a crown kept for all who can do this. If we can finish this race with endurance looking unto Jesus we can have a glorious life. In Mathew 11:29, 30 we read, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Let us learn from Jesus every day. If we cry out to Him for help in the area that we are going through, he will help us. We only have to cling onto Jesus.
In John 13 we read of when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus got down and washed the disciples’ feet. He said that unless He washed the feet, the disciples’ would have no part in Him. In verse 15 we read, “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” Let us follow the example of Jesus. When we look to Jesus, we can also do this. If we are distracted with other things, we will have an attitude of grumbling. In Hebrews 2:18 we read, “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” We are not alone in our temptations; Jesus can help us. We can conquer all giants that are in our flesh through Jesus’ help.
May God bless us all!
