Throw off the sins that entangle. In the stadium, athlete race metaphor that is used in the Scripture in this passage, we learn that we need to get the finish line in sight in order to run the race. Imagine a runner in the starting block gazing around, looking over his shoulders, waving to the fans in the stands. If he wants to win, as he crouches to take off, he looks down the track and focuses on the finish. This a key truth in learning to live a pure and holy life.
Holy living is a long-term investment of our lives.
In all honesty, it doesn't always yield the thrills and chills that we might crave in the short-term. Many of our friends will play and party at life and appear to be having a great time while ignoring God. Choosing to live for God will cause others to think that we are missing out. But, we are investing for the long-term. Our reward is not the immediate gratification of every human desire, but rather the joy of knowing that we have pleased our Heavenly Father and that we anticipate His pleasure for eternity when this short life is past.