The Bible tells us that we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). Like athletes on a track, each in their lane, we each have a personal race to run on the track of life. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, who will empower us to run the race with perseverance and reach the finish line.
When we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on other things, it is detrimental to our spiritual lives. I have often been distracted by thinking about how other Christians are doing or how God is working in their lives instead of focusing on God’s calling for my life and fulfilling my destiny. When Peter asked Jesus about what John would do, Jesus replied that His will for John’s life was not Peter’s concern. Instead, Jesus told Peter to follow Him and focus on his own calling (John 21:21–22).
In the well-known chariot race in the classic movie “Ben-Hur” (1959), we see Judah Ben-Hur pitted against his archrival and opponent, Messala, who is determined to win the race at all costs, even to the extent of using unfair means to trip up his competitor. As the race progresses, in his seething anger and jealousy, Messala tries to destroy Judah’s chariot. But in doing so, he wrecks his own chariot, falls off, and is trampled by another chariot and killed. Judah Ben-Hur then goes on to win the race.
The Bible says that “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). We will give an account of ourselves—how we lived for God and glorified Him—and not of others and their actions. If we have been faithful in fulfilling God’s plan for our lives, He will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).