Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
A group of climbers set out to scale a large mountain in Europe. The view boasted a breathtaking peak of snowcapped rocks. On clear days the crested point reigned as king on the horizon. Its white tip jutted into the blue sky inviting admiration and offering inspiration.
On days like that the hikers made the greatest progress. The peak stood about them like a compelling goal. Eyes were called upward. The walk was brisk. The cooperation was unselfish. Though many, they climbed as one, all looking to the same summit. Yet on some days the peak of the mountain was hidden from view. The cloud covering would eclipse the crisp blueness with a drab, gray ceiling and block the vision of the mountaintop. On those days the climb became difficult. Eyes were downward and thoughts inward. The goal was forgotten. Tempers were short. Weariness was an uninvited companion. Complaints stung like thorns on the trail.
As I read this story I could not help but think how this compares to us as Christians. When we keep our eyes on the goal and everyone is doing his work, then things go more smoothly. However, when we take our eyes off of the goal, then we start fighting, arguing and complaining. As long as we can see our goal there is no mountain we can’t climb or summit we can’t scale.
Notice what happened to the climbers when they took their eyes off of the goal. They began to argue and complain. Can you blame them? Why continue if there is no relief, no goal in sight?
As Christians if we take our eyes off of Jesus, we begin to look inward at ourselves and complain about others. The result? Cabin fever. Quarreling families. Restless leaders. No trespassing signs are hung on our hearts and homes.
You know what I mean. If you have ever been cooped up in a house or snowed in, you know the feeling. This same thing happens to us when we as Christians do not keep our eyes on Jesus and imitate Him. We fight, grumble and complain.
Instead of becoming selfish, we need to focus on Jesus. Seeing Jesus is what Christianity is all about. Christian living is service, which is nothing more than imitating Jesus who we see in the Bible. That may mean this week that we may make cookies for someone who is homebound, teach a child to read the Bible, volunteer at a care center, become a friend to a person who is lonely, share a hug or offer kind words to someone. Then, when people ask, “Why are you doing these things?” you can say, “Because I am a Christian and I am imitating the One Who gives us salvation, love, meaning and grace.” Think about it!
