Hebrews 12:1 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness), stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us. 

If we let sin become a burden and a hindrance to our lives, we hinder our future with God. No person can run their fastest race with extra weight. Sin is additional weight, pulling us back instead of forward. If we remain conscious of our connection to God and follow His commandments as a priority, sin will have a harder time leading us astray.