A Race of Faith
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Recently, the 2024 Paris Olympics, which captivated the attention of people around the world, has just concluded. Surprisingly, the athletes of Team Korea, who have endured intense training over the past four years, have achieved outstanding success, earning a total of 32 medals?gold, silver, and bronze combined. Just as these athletes who aim for their best outcomes with unwavering focus, we as Christians must run the race of faith on this earth aiming to reach the eternal kingdom of God

1. Things to be thrown off

There is no athlete who participates in a race with burdened costumes. Instead, they choose the lightest and the most efficient gear, enabling them to focus fully on the competition. Similarly, as Christians running the race of faith, we must discard anything that hinders or burdens us?whether it's old habits, weaknesses, or the weights that weigh down our hearts?just as the Apostle Paul encourages in Ephesians 4:22. By resisting temptation and overcoming the trials that entangle us, we can run our race faithfully, fulfilling the mission God has given us.

2. Running the race with perseverance
In the race of faith, one crucial aspect is that we must endure and persevere through hardships to reach the finish line. The Bible also teaches that the path of faith we are called to walk requires patience and endurance (Hebrews 12:1, 10:36). We must always keep in mind the grace and joy of salvation we first experienced when we first believed in Jesus, and with this in our hearts, run the race of endurance until the end. As our Lord has said, "He who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Those who persevere without giving up will ultimately receive the reward that God has promised.

3. Fixing our eyes on Jesus
A runner in a race focuses on nothing but the finish line, ignoring everything else. In the same way, Christians running the race of faith must fix their eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus has already walked this path of faith ahead of us, providing the perfect example for us to follow. Therefore, the race of faith for Christians is a journey of following Christ, striving to become more like Him. May we always keep our eyes firmly on Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and continue to grow in our faith throughout our lives.