The Christian life is a life of repentance. That is the way of the cross. At the cross, Christ died and was raised to life so that we could die to sin and be raised as new people in His kingdom. It starts when we ask Him to be our Savior, but it continues daily as we live cruciform lives. That is the true Christian life, daily taking up our cross to follow Him. So likewise, salvation starts with repentance, but it continues daily as we work with the Holy Spirit to strip out of our lives the stuff that does not please God and put on those attributes of the Spirit that do. Seen in that light, repentance is a lifestyle rather than a one-time event.I love how the author of Hebrews puts this. In Hebrews 11, we have the pantheon of heroes of the faith: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Samson, David, Samuel, and many more who lived lives of radical faith. Then in chapter 12:1-3, with these heroes of the faith in mind, the writer says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."The highest calling we could be called to is a life of radical faith and followership of Christ. But what gets in the way of that calling? As the writer says, those things that hinder and the sin that so easily entangles. Think about that description of sin. It entangles us. It distracts us. It holds us back. It weighs us down. It gets in our way and keeps us from running the race with freedom and energy.What does the author tell us to do? He says, "Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Throw it off, get rid of it. In fact, do the same with things that may not be sinful but hinder our forward progress with Christ.CS Lewis put it this way: "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased." Satan loves to present us with substitutes for the life that Jesus wants us to have, but they are cheap and meant to detract from our happiness, joy, and service. This is why Paul often talks about a lifestyle where we take off those things that are not pleasing to God and put on those things that are. This is not a one-time thing but a daily choice.Listen to Paul's comments in Ephesians 5. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand the Lord's will."Genuine repentance is a daily practice. It is choosing to say no to sinful practices that displease God and hold us back. And to say yes to Him and choose to follow Him in joy and obedience.Father, remind me today of things you find displeasing in my life so I can run the race without distractions or entangling sin. Give me the will to throw these off so I can run my race with perseverance. Amen.