Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

Running experts give the following reasons to run with your head up:

• When you have your head down the weight of your head is in front of your center of gravity, which will tire your neck, back, and rear end muscles.
• You should scan the area in front so you don't step on something, but also look far ahead so you can keep track of the course.
• Let your gaze guide you. Look ahead naturally, not down at your feet, and scan the horizon.
• You can breathe easier, too, as your lungs will be able to fully expand.
• You'll be able to keep contact with other runners and close gaps when necessary.
• "Once your head and eyes go down, you're no longer racing, you're surviving."-Ed Eyestone

These are all great reasons to keep your head up in a physical race, but don't sleep on the spiritual metaphors.

As long-distance runners in this Christian race, as described by Paul in his epistles, we have to keep our heads up. This is not just advice to keep a positive attitude, but to keep our eyes on the goal, on Christ.

He not only runs with us, but waits for us at the end as well.

We know the story of Peter walking on the water (found in Matthew 14). When Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink. He focused on the wind and the waves, which represented the storminess of the natural situation, and not the Lord, the supernatural One who controls the situation.

As we run, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus. We have to recall Him in the Word, as well as in our past circumstances. Remember how He was there for us, giving us the comfort and peace needed in stormy situations.

By keeping our eyes on Christ, we are reminded that He is the One who saves -- not our own ability, not others (though He might work through others), and not world-based organizations.

As Ed Eyestone states above, let's get out of merely surviving, and start racing to win!