In 2019 Eliud Kipchoge broke the 2-hour barrier for a marathon. This means he ran at a pace of 4:34 per mile for 26.2 miles. Unbelievable!
I do some running myself.
Not quite at that pace.
I run a couple times a week (hopefully) . . . for about 30 minutes and go anywhere from 2-3 miles (hopefully).
Eliud is different. His entire life is dedicated to running. His training (daily . . . at least), his diet, his conversations, friendships, lifestyle, on and on and on . . . are all focused on running. That’s how one would achieve that type of goal, by prioritizing all aspects of your life toward something, and making sacrifices. The goal transitions from just one part of your life, to permeating everything in your life.
Jesus explained to His disciples in Luke 14 how following Him requires everything from them. To be a true disciple, one must relinquish control of ALL parts of your life.
Luke 14:26-27
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
While there is a lot to unpack in this short passage, the main point that Jesus is making is that following Him must be your TOP PRIORITY. Similarly, an abundant life free of pornography & lust requires focusing EVERYTHING on that goal. The relationships that you develop, enhance, maintain, or sever have a direct impact on whether you’re able to resist pornography. The time you spend taking good care of yourself physically must be done with your long-term goals of resisting pornography in mind. Time invested in serving at your local church will have a direct effect on how successful you are on this journey. On and on and on.
My point is that you can’t just see this process as one where you need to ‘try harder’ or learn some new techniques or go through a particular Bible study.
You must evaluate every aspect of your life and determine how you can focus THAT on THIS goal.
Your friendships. Your exercise routine. Your prayer life.
Your financial stewardship. Your participation with the local church. Your conversations with your family.
The media you consume. The movies you watch. The music you listen to.
And not all these changes have to be forever changes. But they are changes necessary right now.
Thoughts to Journal:
- Evaluate every aspect of your life (write out categories) and grade yourself. Where are you weak? Where are you strong?
- What sacrifices do you need to make?
- Think like an elite athlete. What does life need to look like to break down barriers and do the impossible in the area of pornography & lust?
Reading: