As Christians there are some things that we must do for ourselves. Paul once said, “For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:5). We took on certain obligations and responsibilities when we obeyed the gospel, and we alone can meet those responsibilities. However, most of the commandments that we have received from God have been given to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Of course, this is not exclusively true. Some commandments are only amenable to those who fall into a specific category. Husbands have been given commands that do not apply to the single Christian. Elders have been given responsibilities that the average child of God has not been given. There are commandments that only apply to wives, widows, parents, etc. For the most part, however, commands given by God are given to all Christians alike. We are all obligated to carry out these commands! Let us look at some of the things that we should all be doing as suggested by the Hebrews writer.

1. “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11). We are all obligated to work for the Lord. It is not simply the job of a few to carry out the Lord’s work. “Let us labor” the Hebrews writer said. Paul said, “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Paul wanted to go to heaven. He wanted to receive his house not made with hands, i.e., his resurrected body which would be eternal in the heavens. So what did he do? He labored! Do you want to be in heaven? If so, you too must labor. This is something we all must be doing. Let us labor so that we can all be together in heaven after while.

2. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). How often do you pray? Are we not all obligated to do so? Prayer is not just a wonderful blessing, it is a commandment that must be exercised. We are told by the Spirit to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Let us all take advantage of this great privilege. Pray for brethren. Pray for the church. Pray for the sick. Let us all approach God’s throne of grace.

3. “…let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Since we are all members of the same spiritual family, we should spend time thinking about each other. We should care for one another. How often do you consider your family in Christ? We spend a lot of time thinking about and considering our physical families, do we not? Why is it often different with our family in Christ? Could it be that it is because we do not feel much like a family? Let us do something about it if that is the case. More fellowship is a part of the answer. More forgiveness is a part of the answer. We must do what we can to feel more like a family so that we will start considering each other like we should.

4. “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). It is not enough that we have begun the race; we must finish it if heaven is to be our home. Let’s follow the example set by Paul. Paul was a man who never quit regardless of the obstacles in his path. He faced severe persecution (2 Corinthians 11:22-28), yet he never quit. He gladly bore the marks of Jesus Christ in the flesh and kept going forward (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Philippians 3:13-14). Near the close of his earthly life, as he faced the executioner’s sword at Rome, Paul said, “for I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Let us all demonstrate the patience necessary to cross the finish line. If there is anything or anyone that is stopping you from running the race as if you want to win the prize, put it aside!