There is a “race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). It is a long, grueling task given to us by our Lord. He has already run, and accomplished the task having become “the author and finisher of our faith” (v. 2). We must look to Him as a source of encouragement, strength, and as a pattern to follow. He is the “captain of [our] salvation” (Hebrews 2:10), and will lead us to the promised land.

One of the many things we learn about Jesus in the life He lived is the incredible ability He had to control Himself. He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He did not succumb to the lure of the world, but endured to the end “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). We are charged to do the same.

We must learn to be self-disciplined in this life. Paul said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27). We must not let our appetites and impulses control us. Rather, we must “gird up the loins of [our] mind[s], be sober, and rest [our] hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to [us] at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). We have enough trouble wrestling against our adversary to allow ourselves to become our biggest threat due to a lack of self-discipline.

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