Intentionality

Mark Batterson post:  Live Naked

I know that title is a little shocking so let me explain.  In Hebrews 12 it says: “let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.  And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.”

This is athletic language.  The writer of Hebrews is probably referencing ancient Olympic athletes who stripped off their clothing before competing so nothing would impede their peak performance.  Let me borrow that imagery and suggest that we are to live naked before God and each other. In other words, with nothing to hide.  Isn’t that the imagery in Eden?  Adam and Eve lived naked before God and before each other.  It’s an image of absolute authenticity and it follows on the heels of deep repentance.

Is there something you’re hiding?  Is there something you need to repent of? Is there something you need to strip off? I’m not just talking about the “gross sins” that are thousand pound weights.  I’m talking about the one-ounce sins that keep you from running your best race!

Don’t settle for what is permissible!  Strive for what is beneficial!

What if we approached our spiritual race with the same intensity and intentionality with which Olympic athletes train and compete?