In June 2017, 33-year-old rock climber Alex Honnold, scaled El Capitan. That’s a 3,000 foot granite rock in Yosemite national park, widely considered the most challenging wall in the world. He was the first person to make the climb “free solo"--with no equipment or ropes--at one point hanging from just his thumbs 1,000 feet above the ground. He lives most of the year out of a van, a lifestyle known as “dirtbagging," which he calls “an intentional choice to prioritize your vocation."

Honnold says, “I want to climb in the best places in the world, and that’s my focus. So I’m willing to give up having stability, having a shower, having whatever in order to climb the way that I want." He goes on to say, “I am probably more intentional with the way I live my life than virtually anybody. I have made clear choices about what I find value in, what risks I am willing to take. I am doing exactly what I love to do. It’s very easy for someone sitting on the couch at home to condemn it as crazy and stupid. But I can justify all my choices--can you say the same about your life?”

Possible Preaching Angles: Honnold's commitment, especially his searching question, should challenge every follower of Jesus. Are we serving the greatest quest and the greatest Lord in the universe with the same amount of tenacity and devotion?

THE WEEK, “People: Clinging to Stardom by a Finger” (January 25, 2019)