Hebrews 12:1 (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.
Paul is explaining to the new Jewish Christians (Jews who converted to Christianity) that the Old Testament is done. All the jewish beliefs are past-tense and that Jesus has given them newer, updated guidelines to follow. In this particular verse Paul tells us to lay aside our problems and witness to the multitude of people around us who don't know Christ. The new Christians probably still had several Jewish friends and Paul was commanding them to spread the truth of the gospel. He also tells us to shed the sin in our lives and start our race for Christ. He tells us to "run with endurance" that doesn't mean go as fast as you can for as long as you can, then catch your breath (and anyone who runs knows that can take twice as long); it means keeping a steady pace when working for the Lord. Our steady pace will take us to the finish line successfully (very much a tortise and the hare story).
So in the nest day or so, let's start a maintain a steady pace while living for Christ.
