In this chapter, David talks about the blessing of the Word of God. The above verse mentions just one of the several points he brings out about the Bible.

He says first that we (believers) are warned by the Word of God. There are many warnings in the Word. We are to watch out for temptations of the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

These three things are all around us much of the time. If we are not careful, they will carry us away from God’s will and our joy in God. When they do, our hearts can grow cold toward spiritual things – and it may not be noticed for a long time.

As you stay in the Word on a daily basis, it will help you see the Devil’s devices. To get victory, however, you will need to be willing to fight against those temptations and draw near to Christ.

Then, David mentions another thing in this verse – the reward for faithfulness and obedience. We must also remember the eternal things of God. Anything the world gives you will pass away. It cannot last. Even while you have it – it cannot satisfy.

On the other hand, God’s rewards are eternal and you can be sure they are worth having. If you are faithful and honor God with your life, you cannot lose your rewards from Him. Remember that salvation is a gift – not a reward.

But if you are not faithful as a believer and you choose to live for this world, you will not have any rewards in Heaven – for eternity. Also, remember that there is nothing down here that you can take with you.

Which situation do you prefer? Losing all you lived for at the end of life because you chose to live for the wrong goals; or, having a joyful life in Christ and rich rewards waiting for you for all of eternity? Do you need to talk to God about it now and make some changes in your life? If so, why not do it now?

Serious runners do not carry unnecessary weights

Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Candidates running for a gold medal in the Olympics do all they can to win the race. One important matter involves being sure that they are not carrying around extra and unnecessary weights. Serious runners do not carry around extra weight because they will certainly affect their performance and slow them down.

Christians often carry around unnecessary “weights” that prevent them from doing their best for Christ. These weights are often revealed by the excuses Christians offer as to why they are not more faithful to Christ and the local church.

After salvation, many things often stand in the way of faithful service. Christians need to take a good look at what prevents them (“weights”) from serving Christ better. The list could be quite long, but may include:

• Sins – big or little
• Wanting to please other people – rather than Christ
• Possessions and covetousness – want a bigger home or car
• Cares of this life
• Too busy – other things are more important
• Fear – afraid of what others may think
• Bitterness – can’t forgive and forget.

No matter what is currently stopping you from doing your best for Christ – it is time to think about what will really matter in eternity. Of course, you cannot take anything with you, and when you look into Christ’s eyes on that day – Who gave His all to save you, there will only be a great deal of shame that you did not love Him more and seek to do better.

Why not make that decision today to choose to run (live) for Christ better by starting to obey the Lord Jesus? You make that decision by first confessing to God a lack of concern for Christ and His cause, and then getting into a Bible-preaching church where Christ is honored and you can grow as a believer.

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