Their influence is seen not only in Greek and Roman culture but throughout the Scriptures. The contestants in the events had to conform to certain dietary restrictions and exercise constraints before they could participate. Paul referred to this self discipline when he said, “everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things” (1 Cor. 9:25). He further told Timothy, “if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5).

We are involved in a race. This race that we are running is different from any Olympic event in that there is more than one winner. Everyone who competes and who runs according to the rules specified by the word of God wins. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But just like any participant of a marathon, there are times when you feel like you just can’t take another step, and the satisfaction of completing the course is not worth the pain that it will take to get you there.

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” said the writer of Hebrews (12:1-3). Allow me give you a few pointers for running the race of life that will hopefully help you in your efforts to win. On your mark, get set, go!

Don’t drop the baton. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us” (12:1). The figure is that of the Olympic Games where the spectators are encompassed or encircled about the stadium, diligently watching and cheering those who are involved in the competition. Hebrews 11 is full of examples of those who have run before us, who kept going in the race even when their circumstances could have caused them to drop out—Noah, Abraham, Joseph, David, and the prophets.

Don’t you want your name listed with these ancient worthies? It won’t get there accidentally. These great characters of old had faith—trusting, obedient faith. They have paved the way, shown us their example, and passed the torch to this generation that we might benefit from their running ahead of us. We have a different track in a different stadium, but we have the same God and Father who is guiding us and giving us the strength to endure. Imitate their faith and follow their lead.

Eliminate excess weights. “Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us” (12:1). The runners were not to wear clothing that would restrict their mobility or trip them up during the race. And they would often train wearing weights and then lay them aside so they could compete without any encumbrance or entanglement. In the same way, Jesus said, “Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34).

We don’t have to go through life weighed down with guilt, sin, and the cares of life. In fact, we will never finish if we do. We will be too distracted, too weary, too discouraged. The Lord invites us to cast them all on Him, for there is no other way to relieve the burden and yoke of sin than to lay it down at the feet of Him who died for it. Take them off.

Keep your focus on the finish line. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). There was always one at the Grecian games who stood in sight of the runner, a champion who once was triumphant was now their inspiration. Jesus is our incomparable example, superior to all of the heroes of chapter 11. No one ever had the trusting faith that He did, no one ever suffered unjustly like He did, no one ever endured hostility with a view to the coming glory like He did. He is the author and finisher, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Rev. 1:8, 11).

If ever you’re lost, running aimlessly, not clear about where you’re going, then turn your eyes upon Jesus. There is no other way to “run the race that is set before us.” Can you see Him standing at the goal, ready to receive those who have been faithful until death? If not, you’re probably moving in the wrong direction.

The athletes in the First Century competed to receive a prize, a wreath made of a wild olive branch or parsley. This year’s athletes in Sydney are competing for medals—gold, silver, and bronze The stakes are much higher in our race. “They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor 9:25). Fight the good fight, finish the course, keep the faith. And run in such a way that you may win.