Daily Devotional
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
A crowd of people can be a powerful thing. A crowd of people has the ability to influence others to enforce interests, solve problems, and implement change. Sometimes for the good and sometimes not. But you can’t deny that there is power in a crowd. People standing shoulder to shoulder often bolsters confidence and offers support to those in the crowd. This is true in a physical crowd but also true metaphorically.
I love this verse because it reminds me that there are others standing with me who know the struggles I face as I seek to live for Christ. Others who are cheering me on and encouraging me. As a crowd of followers of Jesus, we are to work together holding each other accountable and helping each other to live lives that are different. We stand shoulder to shoulder when times are good and when times are difficult. It is a community really. A community that helps us to grow. God’s love changes us and our community helps to shape us.
What community do you rely on for support? We all have them… a crowd we call our own. Are they helping you to seek God intentionally? Are they pointing you to Jesus in every area of your life for direction? That is the kind of crowd we want to surround ourselves with. One that helps us leave our old lives behind in exchange for one wholly surrendered to Christ.
