Big Crowd

I went to the Braves Games in Atlanta last Friday night and the crowd was pretty big. I’m not a fan of large crowds where you can barely move. The same was true in Magic Kingdom at the time of the parade and also the fireworks. I feel a bit claustrophobic in situations like that. At church on Sunday, our lobby is crowded, but it’s not the same. I know a bunch of these people. I’m not among strangers, but my church family on Sunday’s.

I was reminded this morning that while I don’t worry much about what people think of how I’m dressed, I should be aware of my how my actions and attitudes are being perceived by others. I do want my life to be an inspiration and an encouragement to others.  What if the people who’ve invested in my life in years gone by could see me now. What if my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, elders – what if they are able to see how I live now. This passage in Hebrews always encouraged me, but at the same time troubled me too. Check this out….

¹Therefore, 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. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. ³ Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. ⁴ After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT)

This passage reminded me of the time a few years ago when my youngest son Luke ran cross country. There was a crowd along the route, but especially near the finish line. We were yelling words of encouragement to push hard to the end. We wanted him to finish strong. What if there is a crowd of onlookers in heaven cheering me on to finish strong. I can live today as if they are present. I can keep my focus on finishing strong by keeping my eyes on Jesus instead of the finish line itself. Jesus came to this earth, lived a perfect life, initiated the very faith I profess. He endured the cross on my behalf. I want to finish strong because I’m inspired by His example. He is the Crowd of One that I should be concerned with. I want to stay steady and consistent in my journey with Him to the very end of my life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne