Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1, 2.
"In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the singlehearted purpose
that should characterize the Christian's race for eternal life.... weights
that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race
for immortality.
The one running in a race will surely lose his victory if he keeps
looking behind him or from side to side to see if his fellows are 
coming
out ahead of him.
---He must run to win the crown of immortal glory,
looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of his faith.
We
cannot for a moment be off our guard. The crown, the crown, the
imperishable crown to be won, is to be kept before the one running the
race.
Every habit or practice that leads into sin must be put away, whatever the sacrifice.... In view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or
hinder. The
weights that are here referred to are the evil habits and practices we
have formed by following our own natural dispositions.
Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life's
victory or defeat.
It is not enough merely to acknowledge Christ.
---We must follow where He
leads the way.
---His grace is sufficient.
---He suffered for us, and He has
left us an example, that we should follow .... The present is our time
of proving."
E.G.W.
