Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
~Hebrews 12:1-2
The man in the arena (aka MITA) lives on display for his world to watch. He rejects the anonymous life as the great sin of omission. He chooses instead to be known, seen, and let the world feel the full weight of who he is!
He fights apathy by pressing against contrary lies telling him that his masculinity is somehow toxic. He challenges the lie, arguing that toxic masculinity is an oxymoron. He points to the truth of masculinity as the, “qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men.” True masculinity is not toxic and is highly regarded. He does manly things that are beneficial to the success of those around him.
Like gravity on an uphill grind, he fights every resistance pressing down against him becoming his best version in Jesus. He leans into it. He pushes on. He battles against all negative forces until they relent to his manliness.
He is an MVP to the world that is blessed by his life. Because he gets it, everyone around him wins.
There are many interpretations of Hebrews 12:1, but we can agree that our race does not go unnoticed. Witness Stadium may be a place where those martyred before us can watch our lives through a holy portal. Or, the “cloud of witnesses” may simply be those watching our lives play out from the safety of the anonymous bleachers. It may include the angels of God’s army.
Your guess is as good as mine, but I know this. There is an arena. There is a crowd. And they are watching you. And they are watching me. They are watching us, who are “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
Do you want to be a MITA MVP? Good. Fix your eyes on Jesus. He’s the One in the Arena who matters most. We stand in the Arena for the benefit of others, but with a passion to please the One with the nail-scarred hands. Many are watching your life in the Arena but only One ultimately matters.
