Baccalaureate: Run the Race

Are you ready to run the race set before you? Life isn’t a casual stroll—it’s a race that requires endurance, focus, and freedom from the weights that hold us back. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 12 to lay aside every burden and the sin that so easily entangles, and to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Like the ancient runners who stripped off everything that slowed them down, we too must shed the distractions, doubts, and worldly pressures that keep us from running well.

Graduates, church family, this message is for all of us. We are not alone on this journey—surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, from biblical heroes to faithful mentors in our own lives, we are cheered on to persevere. Let us look not to the applause of others or the weight of our past, but to Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. As we run this race, may we do so with eyes fixed on Him, hearts free of every hindrance, and a spirit eager to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Run well.