Whether you are in a sprint or a long-distance race, the worst thing you can do is look over your shoulder at the runners behind you. There are countless instances of runners who appeared to have their race won, until they looked over their shoulder. Looking behind can cause you to slow down, or even worse, fall.

If you are going to be successful in the Christian life, you cannot look back. Paul exhorted the Philippian believers to forget the things that were behind and press forward. For the believer, looking unto Jesus is the key to the finish line. Keeping our faith focused on the Savior is the most important factor in finishing this race.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. It is the substance of our lives. We build everything on faith. It makes sense to focus on the Savior because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the One Who started it. He enables us to run the race, and He enables us to finish the race. On the Sea of Galilee, Peter took his eyes off Jesus, and bad things happened. He was successful only as long as he focused on Christ.

If we stay focused on our Savior, lay aside the weights that hold us back, and don’t quit, we will successfully finish our race. All throughout eternity, we will have the benefit of a life lived by faith. He endured the cross for us; let’s give everything we have for Him.