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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1, 2
Most Christians know all too well what the Lord expects of them in the Christian life – break with sin and follow the will of God. However, the question that most people can’t answer is how to do it.
Hebrews tells us that it’s by “looking unto Jesus.” If we keep Him in view, the victory will come without striving for it. Unfortunately, a lot of folks do just the opposite.
Books and even Christian counselors tend to put all the attention on the problem at hand. However, when we focus in on the sin, we get a closer look at it. Often it seems bigger, uglier, and more insurmountable than we first thought, so some vices are simply not overcome.
The Bible says to forget the things that are behind and reach forward to what’s ahead – looking only to Jesus (Philippians 3:13). Christ provides the power to do it; it doesn’t depend on us. Not only is He the source and originator of our faith, He is also the Finisher of it. He makes it perfect.
There’s not one kind of faith for salvation and another to grow spiritually. Faith is nothing more and nothing less than agreeing with God that what He says is true. When we read in the Word that whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life, we respond by saying, “Yes, Lord, I agree.” When the Holy Spirit tells us that the sin in us makes us worthy of hell, the answer is the same: “Yes Lord, I agree.”
Our mind, actions, and attitudes need to agree with God. But how is that done?
The Lord does it. It is He who gives us the power to simply believe. If we can trust Him for our soul’s salvation, we can also look to Jesus to put the finishing touches on our faith. After all, He’s the Finisher of our Faith.
July 4
