Seeking the Summit: Life Principles

It was the end of a long day and the sun was going down quickly.  Three friends impulsively decided to climb up the foothills near Pike’s Peak.  It was easy at first, but soon became more difficult requiring tremendous effort and energy, as well as perseverance and hard work.  At times it proved to be challenging and difficult; at other times it was exhilarating and rewarding.  Occasionally it became downright tedious, usually right before an unexpected difficulty arose.

The three climbers couldn’t go straight up the sharp incline so they traversed the mountain by switching back and forth in a zigzag pattern.  The entire time they were blazing a trail where no one had ever walked before.

Three-quarters up the slope the three intrepid adventurers came to a level spot where they could rest.  As they looked around them, they saw the most beautiful panoramic views imaginable.  The rest period replenished their bodies, but the breathtaking landscape before them replenished their souls.

As the three friends took in the scenery, they looked down and realized that the slope was too steep to go back.  The only to go was up!

From that point on the three adventurers didn’t look down again.  They kept their eyes fixed on the top of the foothill.  Somehow the very act of fixing their eyes on their goal made the journey seem easier.  It certainly made is less frightening.

None of the climbers could have made it to the summit alone.  As they realized their predicament one terrified climber said in a panic, “We’re going to die!”  His friends assured him that they would make it.  They prayed for strength and encouraged each other as they continued their journey.  They realized it was important to work together if they wanted to survive.

As the trio continued to their climb into the higher altitudes, they frantically grabbed onto some scrub bushes for leverage.  Somehow the group crawled and clawed their way to the summit.

The three friends stood together on the summit.  As they jumped up and down celebrating their success, it suddenly dawned on them that they now faced a new challenge:  “How were they going to get down?”  So began the next phase of their adventure.

This story is true. I know because I was one of the three climbers. As I’ve thought about our climb that day I’ve realized that God used the experience to teach me some important principles of Christian living:

• Step out in faith – You never know what God may do when you take that first step forward.
• Blaze the trail – In the 5th century Greek philosopher R. Zaphiropoulous said, “Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”
• Enjoy the journey – take time to look around and appreciate the beauty and wonders of God’s creation.
• No turning back – There is only one direction in the Kingdom of God … Forward! Don’t give in! Don’t give up! Don’t look back!
• Keep your eyes on the prize – This world is not our home. Our true home is in heaven. “Only one life ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
• Serve on a team – God sent the disciples and the 500 out two by two. We are meant to serve in community. “No man is an island, entire of itself…” John Donne
• Rely on God’s resources – You cannot live the Christian in your own strength and power. If you try, you’re sure to fail. Every Christian needs to rely on God to provide whatever is needed in whatever situation is faced.
• Celebrate God’s triumph – God never loses; He never falters; and He never fails. Billy Graham once said, “I’ve read the last page of the Bible … and WE WIN!

Welcome to base camp for an exciting, extended climb up a very steep mountain.  The adventure is a journey, not a destination – a process, not a product.  It begins right now and it will continue until you’re finally home with the Lord.

Are you ready to climb?

© 2011 Designed to Serve®