Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 

3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 

I love watching the Olympics. As many of you know, Patrick and I are not generally sports lovers. But there is something special about the gathering of athletes from all over the world that brings out the fan in me. 

We love to watch gymnastics and swimming. This year basketball and breaking were big at our house. Athletics (track and field) get less attention, but by the time they start, we’re so caught up in the spirit that even people running in a circle is exciting. But I’ll confess, I gravitate more toward the sprints than the distance events. The hundred meters is a quick burst of excitement. The 1500 meters feels like a lot of prelude. Of course, I’m not the one running it. 

The reality is that every athlete’s journey to the Olympics is more marathon than sprint.

It involves endless hours of training, practice, and preparation. It requires clear focus on the goal before them. Wins will come, but enduring the near losses and dry seasons takes dedication to something greater than immediate gain. 

It’s no wonder the writer of Hebrews chooses athletics as a metaphor. Our spiritual lives are not a sprint. There are moments of great excitement, even big wins. There are also times to simply stick to a pace. There are seasons of praying, reading, and worshipping when we can get lost in the repetition. But we do not despair; every breath offered, every word read, every sermon heard forms us. We are formed the same way athletes are: With patient diligence and a clear focus on our goal. 



Our goal is to love God with our hearts, minds, and souls and to love our neighbors has ourselves. We may not perfect the technique overnight, but we are never alone in the work. Christ, who sets our standard, also coaches and encourages us. Wins and losses, no matter the season of life, let us never tire of the discipleship race.