By Priest Isaiah White
In today’s world, we are a proactive people—always striving, building, and producing. Yet, in a twist of irony, the devil has managed to use one of our greatest strengths—belief—to paralyse many Christians from living out their faith. We know much, we hear much, but too often we fail to act.
The book of James warns believers against being mere hearers of the Word without putting it into practice. Christianity is not a theory to be locked away in the mind, nor a philosophy reserved for Sunday sermons. It is a living, breathing movement—real people addressing real problems in a tangible world filled with both challenges and opportunities.
When Jesus called us to follow Him, He invited us into a lifestyle, a mission rooted in action. The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 11, lists the great heroes of faith. They all shared one vital trait: action. They believed, trusted, and acted, even without proof of what lay ahead. This, too, is our calling.
Hebrews 12:1–2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
A Heritage of faith
The Christian journey has often been compared to a marathon rather than a sprint. Hebrews 12 reminds us that we do not run alone. Surrounding us is a “huge crowd of witnesses”—heroes such as Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and David—whose stories are celebrated in Hebrews 11. They endured hardships, yet held firmly to God’s promises even when circumstances appeared impossible.
Their faithfulness is not just a record of history—it is an inspiration for today. In moments of doubt, temptation, or persecution, we can draw courage from their example. They completed their race faithfully. Now, the baton is in our hands.
Stripping off the weights
Just as long-distance runners shed everything that might slow them down, so too must Christians let go of burdens that hinder their walk of faith. These weights are not always outright sins. Sometimes, they take the form of distractions, unhealthy habits, or misplaced priorities that quietly drain our energy.
The people around us also matter greatly. Proverbs 13:20 cautions: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Surrounding ourselves with people who ridicule faith or pull us away from godly values will only trip us up. Instead, we should walk with those who challenge, encourage, and hold us accountable in the journey of faith.
Distractions in modern life—social media, endless entertainment, consumerism—can consume hours of our time without adding meaning. While not inherently sinful, they can dull our spiritual alertness. Choosing to fast from non-essential activities may surprise us with how much room it creates for prayer, Scripture, and acts of service.
Addictions such as gambling, pornography, substance abuse, or uncontrolled anger are not only destructive but enslaving. Recognising the weight is the first step. Seeking help—through prayer, counselling, or support groups—is the next. God’s grace is sufficient, but it still calls for our deliberate action.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus
The writer of Hebrews gives us the secret to endurance: focus. “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Jesus endured the cross, sustained by the joy awaiting Him. In the same way, our trials, however heavy, are not in vain. Every step of obedience carries purpose.
The finish line awaits
The Christian life is not about flawless perfection but steady perseverance. Every weight we shed, every prayer we whisper, every act of service we give—these move us closer to the finish line. And as we press on, the great cloud of witnesses cheers us on.
Let us run this race with endurance, eyes fixed on Christ, knowing that one day, we too shall hear those glorious words: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).
By Isaiah White, A life coach and theologian contact: 0775822833, whitemwine@gmail.com
