Scripture here uses the imagery of a great athletic arena in which the Christian runs a spiritual race. The spectators in the arena, the “great cloud of witnesses,” include all the great men and women of faith featured in the previous chapter (Hebrews 11). We are the contestants.

As Christians we are to “throw off” everything that slows us down and put all our energies into winning the race. To insure victory, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus,” and “consider him”—model our thoughts and actions after Christ. His lifestyle and His gift of eternal life are made possible because He “endured the cross” and became the Conqueror over sin and death on our behalf.

What can we learn from this “great cloud of witnesses” from Old Testament times? At your leisure, read Hebrews 11, and note how “faith” enabled these great men and woman to overcome every obstacle and every trial. Their victories can be yours—even amid the worst that life can dish out. As you read chapter 11, notice the words that suggest resolute decisiveness and determined action.

These men and women succeeded against the odds through “faith” in the coming Messiah. The key to their success, as well as our success as Christians, is to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” since He is the focus of our faith. Christ is the motivating power in the Christian life. He gives us faith, an essential quality in the Christian lifestyle, and a motivating factor for healthy human growth.

Through faith in Jesus the Christian lifestyle results in perfect peace, and a perfect sense of security and well-being.