As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses round us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end Hebrews 12:1-2a, GNT

 

Love for God and love for our neighbour are not a casual jog around the track; they take a lot of perseverance.

 

When I was much younger, I ran many 10-kilometre races, as well as some Argus and Herald cycle races. On four occasions, I joined a group of cyclists to ride from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, raising money for the Bible Society. It took a lot of hard work. I am not blessed with much athletic prowess, so the runs and cycling events required a lot of time and perseverance. Getting up very early each morning to go running or cycling was difficult, but it was worth every minute.

 

The lifelong race in which we participate every day is a race where love is the primary ingredient. Therefore, we need to regularly train our ability to love. When Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged him to train diligently in his quest to live a life dedicated to God. (1 Timothy 4:7) This dedication is not because we fear God, but because we love him. A good way to translate it would be ‘keep training to be able to serve God better’. There is no better way to serve God than to love him with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.

 

This serving of God does not end here. I cannot love God and, at the same time, hate my neighbour. To serve God better requires me to love my neighbour more. Let’s be honest, it is not always the easiest thing in the world to achieve. It takes a lot of training. When the author of the letter to the Hebrews advises us to rid ourselves of the sin that holds us tightly, it is very good advice. In long-distance racing, there is no room for excessive baggage.

 

I will never forget when, on one of our rides to Cape Town, we crossed the Du Toitskloof Pass in pouring rain. When we reached the top, we could see the beautiful Boland landscape stretched out at the bottom of the pass. After five days and more than 700 kilometres in the saddle, this view was worth all the hard work and training.

 

So, continue training to love better; the reward is vistas of heaven itself.

 

Prayer: Lord, we thank and praise you for enabling us to run the race with determination. Without your love for us, we would not be able to complete the race. Amen