The Bible gives us the secret of a world changer: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). World changers run the race of life for Jesus.
In ancient Greece, Olympians didn’t compete for the gold, silver or bronze. They competed for a laurel wreath from the emperor. In the distance, exhausted runners could see the emperor standing with the laurel wreath that would be placed on the head of the winner.
As Christians, we’re running the race of life. We get tired from the attacks, obstacles and challenges. Look ahead. Jesus is whom we’re running for. There he stands, not with a laurel wreath, but with a crown.
The apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7–8).
Look to Jesus. He is the one whom we seek to honor every day. He is the one whom we will stand up for one day. He is the one we’re running this race for. We don’t do it for applause. We don’t do it for notoriety or fame. We do it so that we can stand before Jesus one day and hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Look to Jesus. Don’t look to circumstances. Don’t look to people, either, because people will disappoint. Don’t expect them to have an encouraging word. In fact, sometimes they’ll have a discouraging word. They’ll challenge your motives and what you’re doing.
Look to Jesus. Press on.
This article originally appeared on Greg Laurie’s blog.