The Run

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2

IN WORD

If a marathon runner focuses on the distance he has already come, he may be satisfied with progress but unaware of his next steps. If he focuses on the people lining the path, he will get distracted. If he tries to focus on a finish line so far in the distance that it can’t be seen, he will get discouraged. But if he focuses on the runner in front of him, he keeps going. His mind is on the race, and his goals are clear. He keeps pressing ahead.

We have a runner in front of us, and He isn’t part of the competition. He is our friend, our pacesetter, our leader. Though many other Christians focus on the past, the sidelines, or the finish line—or any number of other distractions—we know to focus on a Person. That’s because we don’t win the race by accomplishing great things, impressing other people, or either clinging to or avoiding the past. We put everything behind us and press on toward the goal. And what is that goal? Being like Jesus. Not medals, not accolades, not money or power or status. Our one assignment in this world is to be conformed to His image. And the best way to do it is to fix our eyes on Him.

IN DEED

That’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the race. We lay aside every encumbrance—sin, other agendas, personal issues, past mistakes—and refuse to pick them up again. That means letting go of guilt, shame, and dreams that conflict with the Kingdom. No one overcomes the power of the old nature by looking at the old nature. We cannot overcome anything unless we resolutely turn our attention toward the One who leads the way. Only then can we follow in His steps and take on His nature.

Much discipleship instruction involves a set of principles and precepts that may or may not be helpful, but the core of our calling is extraordinarily simple. We look at Jesus. We become captivated by Him, knowing that captivation will powerfully shape us. He is the race marked out for us. Run with an eye for nothing less.

ADDITIONAL READING: Philippians 3:12-14

The disciple is one who, intent on becoming Christlike, . . . rearranges his affairs to that end.

DALLAS WILLARD