Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1 & 2 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus,[a]the source and perfecter[b] of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him[c]endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.


When I read this verse, although in context, it indicates the cloud of witnesses are the previously mentioned Hall of Faith members, allow me a small liberty with this thought:

What if we as believers lay aside sin because there is a large cloud of current witnesses that are watching us. They are watching to see how we run the race that lies before us. What if they are watching to see if we will keep our eyes on Jesus who is the reason for our belief/faith. 

I pray this is just a simple reminder today that as we live our life, there is a world of unbelieving watchers. I believe as Jesus told the disciples to not keep the children from him, he is telling us that too. Let's live our lives in such a way that we do not keep the "children" - the world from Jesus.  We do not want our freedom and liberty to become a stumbling block for our unbelieving family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. 

Some will say, "they are just using that as an excuse".  My thought is maybe so, but why do we want to give them one? But what if many are just watching in HOPE that it is real, and they may be waiting to see it first in us.  

Our living testimony is the only bible that many unbelievers will read. Many will never pick up the word, but they can watch us. Let us let the word of God be alive and active in us!