People come in all personality types: from passive, relaxed and laid back to aggressive, assertive, high strung and intense. Psychologists categorize, explain and label people based on their personality type along with expected behavioral outcomes based on whether you’re a passive or aggressive person. Thankfully, God does not favor one personality type over another.
The book of Hebrews encourages all humanity... the full spectrum of human personalities that the “race set before us” needs all types running together towards the finish. The race of our lives, the race of all races, might not be finished if we don't grow in vigilance, laying aside not only our sins, but all manner of hindrances, including our own personalities. We must help one another run this race.
All personality types have their weaknesses and strengths. When it comes to “running the race set before us,” all types need to be aware of what can hold them back. Passive people could be in danger of coasting, neglecting and drifting and easily succumb to the many distractions and detours that happen along the way. The aggressive personality types are in danger of being impatience, self-reliant and judgmental about everyone in the race with them. And there are strengths: passive people are less prone to murmur and complain and retaliate...and aggressive people are more likely to inspire, motivate and encourage.
But when it comes to the Book of Hebrews, chapter 12 in particular, it is a great mistake for any of us to say... this command (12:1-2) “to run” is not for me. This command to lay aside entangling sins just isn’t possible for me. Or... this command to lay aside weights and encumbrances is just not the way I am wired. Rather, all of us should listen and obey the serious message expressed in these verses.
If you feel like the race is not for you, or it’s going to be too hard, then you need to start sorting out how to remove the many “excuses” that ensnare you, and build a plan that will get you motivated to run your race with endurance.
Here's what I would suggest you consider doing. Pick a day, or at least a half day and get away by yourself. Go somewhere alone – away from the house, the cell phone, the computer, the TV, remove yourself from all distractions including other people. Take your Bible and a notebook and plan how you’re going to “run the race set before you.” Your mission is to write out a game plan that will layout all the things you need to do to run your marathon.
START by honestly noting and writing down on paper your entangling sins. Note the seemingly innocent weights and encumbrances that are not condemned explicitly in the Bible, but which you know are holding you back in your race for faith and love and strength and holiness and courage and true freedom in Christ. Write them done... stare at them and own them.
Note the ways you subtly make provision for these hindrances in your life (Romans 13:14). Get detailed in this phase of the exercise... write down everything that pulls at you, including hidden alcohol, cravings, time with television, video games, the obsession with lottery tickets, magazines, novels... everything that occupies your time and mental energy. In addition, note the people that weaken you. Try and calculate how much precious time you are wasting in trivial pursuits each day.
When you have honestly made all the notations, calculate totals if appropriate and read through the “picture of your life” as it appears on paper. Be honest with yourself... is it the type of life Jesus would design for you? Probably not.
Begin to pray your way through each of these personal admissions intent on coming to a disciplined resolve to begin dismantling the encumbrances, resisting the sins, and breaking old and unproductive habits. You will be overwhelmed by what you’ve written down and your first instinct will be to resist and say... "I can't change." Remember this, it is an affront to God if you know what Hebrews 12:1 commands and you go away saying... "It can't happen with me. Hindrances can't be removed. Sins can't be laid aside."
God has not spoken His commands for our selective choosing. The entire book of Hebrews is written to make the seemingly impossible...possible and the impractical...practical. We can all do it! So go back and read the book and ask God to take all the glorious truth that is written for our edification and encouragement... about the superiority of Christ, the power of his death and resurrection, and the effectiveness of his intercession for you, and make these truths explosive in your life.. for they contain life-changing power.
NEXT... be bold, confident in God’s power working in you and courageous before men... carry some of your story to your small group and get them to pray for you and with you. I think we should all call this “guts in action.” It won’t be easy, that’s why courage is required. Trust God. You have His strength to call on for just such a noble purpose. NOW... find someone you trust and ask them to check in with you and support you regularly.
Accountability partnerships are essential in running the race of our lives... we can’t run or hope to finish well without each other. That’s what Hebrews 3:12-13 says we should do, so do it.
OKAY, you’ve just read about a really practical and helpful idea to begin serious preparation for the race of your life. What are you going to do about it? Drift from your illuminating moment into inaction? Some will do just that, because the challenges seem insurmountable.
Before this day is over... choose a day or a half-day and get away to plan your run with the Lord, Jesus Christ. Make your plan to run with endurance and finish well.
