June 23, 2002 / Volume 6, Issue 25
The Climb Of Faith
Searching through some old files, I came across this article which I had written shortly after I began preaching. Hope you can benefit from it.
As we consider our spiritual lives, it might be compared to the task set before a mountain climber. There is a goal far above which we seek to attain. It is a peak, above the clouds, and from it, we will both see and experience clearly the greatness and majesty of God.
The first thing which comes to mind in our analogy is the simple fact that we must climb. Until we start the climb, we are no closer than when we decided we wanted to attempt it. In the faith, we need to be about the work God has set forth for us to do. Several times in Scripture, we are told that we will be judged and rewarded according to our works. If we are not working for the Lord, by no means shall we attain the goal of heaven. Indeed, we are do not receive a heavenly home by meritorious work, we cannot so attain the prize of the upward call of God. Rather, it is by the grace of God. Nonetheless, God would have us work. James writes, "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:20, 26). A dead faith goes just as far as a mountain climber who has set up camp for good at the bottom of the mountain. He'll never attain, and neither shall we.
No mountain has been scaled without the shedding of much sweat. Such an endeavour certainly pushes the body to it's limits. So is the faith. We cannot help but endure hardships and spiritual aches and strains if we are the faithful servants of God. Paul wrote to Timothy, "...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12). Christianity is not itended to be an easy life. Those who live as they ought for the Lord will be persecuted for the same (note, persecution will find us, we need not seek it). Yet, in the midst of this, we must keep our focus on the task. The mountain climer through all the strains, sprains, winds, slips, toils and sweat must keep in mind the goal he seeks to reach. The peak of the mountain lies ahead. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). It promises to be a rough road, but remember the wonder of the destination, not the affliction of the journey.
Finally, following due diligence, the climber reaches the peak. The world lies before his eyes. He has conquerored. He is victorious. He is able to bask in the glory of the moment. The spiritual application? Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteouesness..." (2 Timothy 4:7-8). There is a great victory which awaits those who faithfully serve God. Jesus spoke, "...be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10). The great difference? The mountain climber eventually has to leave the top of the mountain, return home, and his victory becomes nothing but a pleasant memory. The Christian, once having gained the victory never leaves. We will be in glory forever. We will reign with the King. We will bask in the glories of the heavenly realm eternally. Truly, it is as Paul wrote, "...I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18).
Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Who moved David to number the people, God (2 Samuel 24:1) or Satan (1 Chronicles 21:1)?
