Posted by Randy Warwick on 4 July 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: Example and Encouragement to Embrace the Race

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

In 2009, it was first just a 5k. Yet this year, we decided to do the ½ marathon! Honestly, I really only wanted to run a 10K, but my son's SAT testing schedule gave us only the option of the ½ or full marathon. Although, I have never had as a goal to run long distances, I do have a goal to create memories with my son and as I will share, this ½ marathon did provide some incredible memories and various lessons that can be used to highlight the truths found in the first 4 verses of Hebrews 12.

Background on the Book of Hebrews-The Hebrews were struggling. They had turned from their Jewish  roots to embrace the Messiah, Jesus. Yet, things did not go as they expected. They were persecuted, many of who lost not only their jobs but their possessions. As a result, they were waivering and beginning to drift back to their traditions. Unfortunately, this meant that they were moving away from a LOVING relationship of faith with Jesus and His Grace and back into the Bondage of a LEGAL relationship with God based upon their ability to keep the law.

I wonder how many of you would say that in the same way, things have not gone as you have expected as you seek to lead your company for Christ? Could it be that you are waivering based upon the fact that you are weary and discouraged? In these times, we too are tempted to go back to the TRADITIONAL WAY OF DOING BUSINESS, which often means from our world's perspective, to leave ministry and God out of the equation! Yet, I would encourage you to not give up and give in to the world. We are called to walk by faith and not by sight!

So what should we do to EMBRACE THIS RACE of Faith? First, we need to seek the guidance of those who have gone before us. For the Hebrews, they were directed back to Chapter 11 with the Great Hall of Faith. These people  had suffered much worse that what they were experiencing, yet they endured to the end, keeping the faith.

The writer to the Hebrews  identifies with these great RUNNERS of the Faith, those who have RUN THE RACE AND FINISHED WELL.   As it relates to my recent running experience with Caleb, when we first decided to RUN the half-marathon, we went to RUNNERS WORLD website to learn from those who had RUN BEFORE. We simply followed their steps. In their articles, they gave a weekly plan, charting the course, with a daily plan with mileage goals. This gave us comfort that if we just followed in their steps each week, we could FINISH well!  
  
 Hebrews 13:7-8 says “ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, considering the outcome of their conduct. JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today and forever”  

As it relates to running your business, have you studied those who have gone before you? Are you reading for the purpose of strategic planning? Have you charted your course for the next week, month and rest of the year? Do you have goals and a system to track your progress to achieve your goals?

In conclusion, seeking the example and counsel of those who have gone before you is a very wise thing. Recently, I heard Jim Collins speak and say that everyone should have their own personal board of advisors. If we at the C12 Group can help establish an alternative board of advisors from a biblical worldview for you, please do not hesitate to email me at randy.warwick@c12group.com .