Hebrews 12:1 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. 

When I first moved to Georgia from Illinois for my job, I wanted to “fit in” to this new culture of southern slang, slower pace, and enjoy a different selection of food. As much as I tried, my northern accent was a dead giveaway to the true southerner. After 30 plus years in the South, I've finally been able to hide my Northern roots, but every now and then someone will ask where I'm from. 

As a child of God, you can easily desire to “fit in” with the world's ways: the language, the beliefs, and all the pleasures that you can find. By adapting to the world's standards, how will people truly see Christ in you? 

Today's verse reminds us we are in a race to life's finish line and it's best to keep unweighted from the ways (sinly lifestyle) of the world. I think it's interesting that the author of Hebrews compares the Christian life to running a race. I believe the intent was not to move slow enough, or walk through it, so you wouldn't have time to let the world's ways influence how you live. 

God never intended for His children to find rest or comfort in the world, but to be set apart and reliant on Him to sustain us through this earthly journey. Friend, if you are truly devoted to Jesus Christ, let go of the things that can easily strangle your ability to keep running through this life to gain a Heavenly reward worth running towards. God bless.