Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Did you know that 106 of the first 108 schools in America, including Yale, Harvard and Princeton, were founded on the Christian faith? Did you know that ministers founded most of these schools? Did you know that more than half of the graduates from these schools became ministers? 9
Consider these statements regarding the following universities:
● Harvard – The founders of Harvard believed all knowledge without Christ was vain. 10
● Princeton – Their official motto was "Under God’s power she flourishes." 11
● Yale – The requirement for students included that "all scholars shall live religious, godly and blameless lives according to the rules of God’s Word, diligently reading the Holy Scriptures, the fountain of light and truth, and constantly attend upon all the duties of religion, both in public and secret. Every student shall consider the main end of his study to wit to know God in Jesus Christ and answerably to lead a Godly, sober life." 12
Did you know that according to a National Geographic study, only 14% of Americans believe evolution as truth? 13 Despite this low percentage, teaching the theory of evolution is more commonplace in public academia despite these prestigious universities’ founding beliefs. What happened to us? Our universities began a Godly race, but they didn't finish it. They allowed themselves to be “ensnared”.
Be encouraged by those from our heritage who stood for their values. Princeton, Harvard and Yale are still icons in our modern educational system, but I firmly believe it is due to their beginning foundations and perhaps not to their relatively recent departure from their founders’ beliefs. The above scripture tells us to “run our race with endurance.” The word endurance implies that there will be pressure along the way to stop or not to continue, but we don’t have to give in to the pressure. God is on our side and He’s for us and our nation. As we run our race as a Christian citizen of this country, we can put our faith and trust in Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Action steps
- Read - Re-read Hebrews 12:1-2.
- Think - See yourself as a runner in a race. Imagine some of the pressures that could come against you. Are there bumps on the trail? Are you getting thirsty? Does that cramp in your leg make you want to just quit? Now imagine you have by your side, running right along with you, an elite coach who knows just how to encourage you and gives you instruction. Are you open to it and applying it? Or are you so focused on the pressures that you don’t even notice he’s there?
- Write - Write down areas you might need some “coaching” in. Are there outside pressures that you need help handling? Jesus can help you finish strong.
- Pray - Pray for endurance in those areas you need help getting through today. Ask the Holy Spirit to be your coach, and then expect to hear His leading.
- Take away - As you go about your day, notice your victories, even if they seem to be small. Run your race in confidence for the joy set before you.
“I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society. One of the beautiful boasts of our municipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law…There never has been a period in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying its foundations.”