Read Hebrews 12:1-3

In a race, it makes all the difference what a runner focuses on. When pain sets in, when it seems like other runners are passing ahead, when the race seems endless, these are the moments in a race where a runner needs to focus on the right things. It’s not that focusing on the right things makes running the race any easier—focus itself won’t instantaneously transport a runner to the finish line. But focusing on the right things helps the runner remember that his current struggles have a purpose. It keeps his race in proper perspective.

The Christian life is about focusing on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, because he keeps our life in proper perspective. How do Christians forgive their enemies? How do we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before God? How do Christians remain hopeful in the most hopeless situations? The answer is by fixing our eyes on the one who showed us the way first. The more we focus on Jesus, the more we learn to live like him and become like him.

What are you focusing on and chasing after today? Consider what you need to lay aside today so that you can run your own race more like Jesus ran his—that is, with perfect faith and great joy.