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. And the race that we are running is different from any Olympic contest or sporting event. Everyone who competes and who runs according to the rules 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, that 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 (Heb. 12:1-3). This passage gives us a few pointers for running the race of life in such a way that we will win.

Don’t drop the baton. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us” (Heb. 12:1). During the Olympic Games, the spectators encompassed or encircled the stadium, diligently watching and cheering those who are involved in the competition. Hebrews 11 is full of such heroes, 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.

Can you imagine having your name mentioned on that list? It won’t get there accidentally. These great characters of old had faith—trusting, obedient, and abiding faith. They have paved the way, shown us their example, and passed the torch to this generation. 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” (Heb. 12:1). The runners were not to wear clothing that would restrict their mobility or trip them up during the race. And though they often trained with weights, when it came time for the race, they would lay them aside so they could compete without any encumbrance.

Jesus warned that our hearts be not “weighted down” (Luke 21:34). Too many people are trying to run their race carrying all sorts of guilt and sin and other burdens of life. You will never finish that way. You will be too distracted, too weary, too discouraged. The Lord invites everyone to cast their cares on Him, to lay down every burden at the feet of Him who died to take them away. When you take them off, you will take 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” (Heb. 12:2). There was always one at the Grecian games who stood in sight of the runner, a champion who would inspire the exhausted runner to keep pushing until he broke the tape. Jesus is our incomparable example, superior even 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 of faith.

If ever you’re lost, running aimlessly, not clear about where you’re going, then turn your eyes upon Jesus. 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 Athens 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). They do it for the honor of men and country. We do it to bring glory and honor to God. Get set, go!