Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
What does the apostle mean by “the race marked out for us”? One way I’d like to answer that is by referring to the desires the Holy Spirit puts in us upon recreating us. When we receive the Spirit, I believe he comes with a specific and tailor made plan for each of us. He wants to implement in our lives that which embodies the idea Christ had in mind for us when he created us.
The way I think we tap into that plan is by paying close attention to just what those desires of the Spirit are. And one question that has helped me bring those desires to the surface is this: What kind of person do I most aspire to be? By working at answering that question I believe I am getting an idea of what the race is that God has marked out for me.
What came to me was this one statement: I want to be someone who is always true to Jesus. From there I proceeded to spell out just what I think that looks like for me right now. Five propositions came to mind, and over the next several podcasts I’d like to share them with you. Perhaps there will be something in them that you will find helpful in answering that question too.
So, What kind of person do I most aspire to be?
Someone who is always true to Jesus, by
1) walking with him as friend with friend — sharing all of my thoughts with him and listening with everything in me for his voice so as to unflinchingly act on his guidance or take his counsel to heart.
