Run the Race with Patience

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, ² 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. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

One way to guard against quitting a race is to familiarize ourselves with the race course. By doing so, we can prevent the kind of shock that leads to discouragement while simultaneously stimulating adequate preparation and determination to complete it. Such knowledge also helps us as runners to pace ourselves along the course to ensure we endure and finish well. This article is a continuation of a previous post entitled, “My Soul, It is Another Exodus!” In that article we explored the astounding tendency of youths and young adults to leave churches and the practice of Christianity in general. Among several solutions, we mentioned the need to familiarize our young people with the real nature of Christian living. This article seeks to disclose some of the challenging realities of Christianity in the Twenty-first Century while prescribing just one biblical answer. In order to continue and not quit our faith, we must understand the nature of our Christian race. This should motivate us to adequately prepare and determine to reach the finish line.   

Demanding Discipleship 

Before I explore our race course with you, I believe it would be helpful to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to potential disciples. Three times in Luke 14:25-35, the Lord Jesus stipulates that discipleship is predicated upon complete and entire devotion to Him. He literally stated that without such commitment, a person could not be His disciple. No matter how enthusiastic, talented, well-trained, broadly experienced, or highly accredited they may be; without whole-life commitment to Jesus Christ, one “cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). The truth is it costs greatly to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. It may cost us family, friends, employment opportunities, a certain standard of living, and the respect of our peers. At times and through the course of life, we all will have opportunities to examine and reexamine our loyalty to Christ and resolve to finish the course He has set before us as His followers. I can personally testify to this unavoidable reality along with thousands of other runners (2 Tim. 3:12). While this article heavily emphasizes Believers' obligations and responsibilities, it in no way disregards the grace and power of God at work deep within each believer (Phil. 2:12, 13). Attempting to live up to God's high expectations in the wisdom and energy of our carnal and fallen nature is utter futility (Rom.7:14-25). Therefore, with the demands of discipleship in mind, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12:1).

Discarding Impediments 

As we run our specific Christian race, we must remove everything that would impede our progress. God specified that we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1). Among these impediments are gross misconceptions about practicing our Christian faith and life as a member of a church. While we are quick to identify what offends us about church and Christianity, it would prove more prudent to recognize what is required of each Christian runner. Newell (1995, p. 400) in Hebrews: Verse by Verse said, “runners strip themselves of every weight possible, wearing the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes! Many a weight carrier who eventually get to Heaven, will be passed on the way by those who have laid weights aside.” “Weights” may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder spiritual progress says MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 2202). Accordingly, they further observed, a Christian’s weights could include a yearning for even more material belongings, unreasonable loyalty to family, an apparently unquenchable thirst for luxurious living, an unequivocal deference to conveniences, and a defiant unwillingness to listen to God’s call to a more transient or itinerant lifestyle for the sake of advancing the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, our society elevates materialistic values for all Americans, and not for humanitarian reasons, but for business and sales—the bottom line. There are even elements in our national government who view gross materialism as “rights;” therefore, they demand them for everyone at the expense of the tax payer. Our young people are hearing these messages through every media form known to humanity in this technologically driven age. As a result, some of the things they should “lay aside” because they hinder their spiritual progress, they are clinging to reasoning that “God does not care about this.” They capitulate to immediate gratification, most convenient methods, whatever affords any emotion exhilaration, and they prefer quick fixes without even thinking through their options. Few possess the discipline of a competitive runner anticipating a day in the winners’ circle. God cannot advance such runners in the Christian race; if it hinders our spiritual progress, then it is a weight to us. Evaluate yourself in the light of Bible-truth, be honest about your experience, ask the Spirit of grace for the courage to lay some things aside, and follow through on that decision with accountability.  

Furthermore, in the Olympics, triathlons, Ironman competitions, and Pan American races, there are no rules against wearing over coats, packing extra changes of clothing, snow boots, several pieces of luggage, and a backpack with a variety of energy bars and drinks, but such runners can never traverse these challenging race courses to the finish in this manner. As Hebrews 12:1 prescribes, we must “lay aside every weight.” Start by evaluating and off-loading those endeavors, activities, plans, aspirations, associations, and dreams that interfere with the completion of the course Christ has set before us. Again it is not whether these considerations are bad, wrong, or sinful in themselves; they are however, hindrances to completing the course. Take courage and make the tough decisions; be decisive in this all important matter. Christians desiring to continue with the greatest loyalty to Christ must run their race light with the fewest distractions or impediments. We need all of our faculties and energies concentrated on the race that is set before us in order to endure to the finish line.

Dealing with Doubts

Christians must also take off and cast away sin (Heb. 12:1) because it readily ensnares and trips us in our faith marathon. Certainly this could refer to any form of sin, but the emphasis in this context is faith; therefore, this sin must specifically be a form of unbelief. Our sinful nature works in us through “unbelief.” Unbelief, doubts, and skepticism aggravate and obstruct our race of faith (Heb. 11) resulting in our failure to persevere. It is near impossible to persist in an arduous enduring task with zero confidence our efforts are of any value. In contrast, we can succeed in the most difficult tasks if we believe it is worthwhile in the end. At times we all are sorely tempted to forsake the Living God in some degree or particular (Heb. 3:12). As the hymnist Robert Robinson transparently quipped, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” expresses well what we all sense deep within the precincts of our own souls on occasions. But like him we too must present our heart of hearts to God, “Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” 
Beloved, we continue because we trust God’s wise prescriptions for life and eternity even when they contradict every other source of information available to us. It does not matter if the tempting lie that engenders Bible doubts is highly attested by the most distinguished scholars in that field; it remains unacceptable if it diminish God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. While scholars can be helpful, they tend to exalt their intellectual prowess above inspired truth from God. This is the nature of the Christian race of faith! Christians are called upon to believe God regardless; to follow Christ no longer toying around with the ideas of compromise, doubting His Word, quitting, or walking away from Christianity in frustration. We must have unwavering belief in the promises of God, total confidence that the race of faith is worth running, and certainty that living by faith (Heb. 11:6) is the way to please God (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995, p. 2202). This is an absolute imperative.

Discarding Misconceptions

Along with weights, and sins, we must lay aside misconceptions about Christianity. Believers must strenuously resist the misconception that the Christian marathon race-obstacle course is easily navigated. It is helpful to have a working grasp of the nature of the race Christ has set before us. Our race is not a quick sprint to the finish line. The idea that enduring to the finish line will be easy, nice, always cordial, uncomplicated, and free of failures, hurt, or opposition must evaporate in the sunlight of this often painful reality. Genuine Christian living is no plush experience—such notions are akin to fairy tales. This is the nature of the faith race; it is a marathon with multiple obstacle courses along the way! It demands faith-toughness and perseverance! Christ would have genuine believers make necessary adjustments, and prepare well to press on with resolute and unwavering commitment through whatever challenges we must face. If living the Christian life was easy, everyone would presume to do so. 

Yes, there are difficult elements in churches, and Christian people do let you down. There is no excuse for this, but God does prescribe what course of action should be taken to correct this. Yes, one may be hurt badly in a Christian context—in relationships among the brethren. God answers this situation repeatedly throughout the Bible. Yes, there are problems of shallowness, pettiness, hypocrisy, and gross failures among Christian leaders. Genuine Spirit-filled discipleship ministry is a desperate need on most levels of the average ministry. In addition, discipleship should be focused more on developing Christian skills like Bible study, walking in the Spirit's power, obedience, grace living, prayer, witnessing, 360 degree stewardship, and service. Unfortunately many churches focus on information, lessons, and creeds; some do not even have a viable character shaping and spiritual skills developing ministry at all. Yes, the entire emphasis is corrupted in some movements. While all this may be true and inexcusable, God never prescribed in the Bible quitting on Christ, Christianity, or a relatively good church. Not one Bible passage even slightly or remotely endorses such a notion. Certainly, the answer for some Believers may be transferring to a solid church home. If this is the course of action one must take, then look for a church that exalts Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaims the Bible as the final authority, nurtures authentic spiritual discipleship for the glory of God, and sends out missionaries to reach the entire human race with the Gospel of Christ. Spiritual revival and refocusing are viable options for Christian individuals and institution while quitting is not. Also keep this uppermost in mind, no church is even slightly perfect and no Christian has arrived. This statement is not intended as an excuse for lazy Christianity; however, it is incumbent upon each of us not to expect either!

Though sinful problems among churches and Christian leaders have exacerbated the frustrations of young people, the New Testament documents and address these evils among First Century churches (1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians). God sternly warns, admonishes, challenges, and counsels churches to make the necessary corrections throughout the New Testament epistles. These ugly challenges can be corrected and worked through; they are not legitimate reasons for abandoning Christianity. Just as believers were historically exhorted to continue in Christian fellowship in spite of difficulties, we must be faithful today (Rev. 2 & 3). Christians in the Western world seem to give up far too easily and for the pettiest reasons imaginable. Beloved, God cannot possibly be pleased with this trend. Walking away from commitment to Christ and the Christian Faith entirely is a thorny path of terrible consequences. It is far better to search out a better church home; one that is alive with the truth and Spirit of grace. Quitting is not a legitimate option. Additionally, let us not fool ourselves. Those who quit good churches anticipating continuing for the Lord Jesus on their own will likely become great spiritual tragedies in the end. Christ gave Christians the institution of the New Testament Church for crucial reasons and not as a bonus.

Defying the Odds

 Finally, about 30% of the youth in American Protestant churches defy the trend and continue to attend church (Grossman, 2007). Grossman (2007) also reported that sixty-five percent of these young folks view church attendance as “vital” to their “relationship with God” and fifty-eight percent felt their church helps them with daily decisions. Fifty percent believes involvement with church helps them, “become a better person” (Grossman, 2007). It is important to also recognize this trend among youths and young adults in America. If these young people are continuing to be true to Christ and the Christian Faith in some measure, then others can do so as well. They are solid evidence that young people can be deeply committed to Jesus Christ today! With good churches and solid Christian leaders running the Christian race, more young people can be retained instead of lost. This is especially my desire for Independent Baptist Churches. Since we all are running a strenuous race while hurdling violent obstacles, we will need fresh energy, power, and strength to continue for a lifetime. Revival is the greatest need among Christians today. We desperately need a Heaven-sent, white-hot Spirit-filled, Christ-exalting, Bible-based, soul-cleansing, and cross-saturated revival in the United States of America. This is the hope of our youths and the future of Christianity in our country. Trust God to do a cleansing, renewing, and reviving work beginning with me and you.

Once again the developments surrounding young people and youths forsaking churches, Christ, and Christianity can be impeded, stopped, and even reversed. Nothing at all is too hard for God! We must trust Him with the smallest and greatest issues for His glory and our national welfare. I hope for a day when the trend is reversed and our churches are filling up with young people. I long for the day when our youth will be more like Daniel and Samuel, the both of which served God their entire lives and glorified Him in all their ways. American youths and young adults must come to grips with the reality that the Christian race is a marathon riddled with multi-layered complex obstacle courses along the way! There will be many opportunities to stubble, fall, and even refuse to get back up to continue the race. I say unto you in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High God: Do not give up! Get back up and continue your race! Rise above the mediocrity of others, the apathy of some leaders, the distractions of too many, and the liturgy of the rest. Reach for higher plains in the Lord God Almighty and go beyond what anyone every anticipated for you in Christ. Break the cycle of quitters in your generation and determine to be a finisher! You can do this in Christ Jesus your Lord. You can indeed do anything He calls upon you to do if you trust Him for power and do it for His glory (Phil. 4:13).

What is needful in America may be needful in other places on the planet as well. The answer in all instances is Jesus Christ and revival by The Spirit of Grace. Churches can avoid these same developments if they communicate the challenging nature of the life of faith (Heb. 11), and help young people remain focused on Christ, the Author and Finisher (Heb. 12:2). By running our race, we help our youth remain focused on Him and in the race until they complete theirs to the glory of God.