BE STILL OR CLIMB | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: BE STILL OR CLIMB | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dolores Stohler
07/09/20
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Nestled in the breast of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a city noted for its traditions and athletic events. And it is with pride that the AdAmAn Club begins its ascent up the side of Pikes Peak on the day before New Years Eve. The name AdAmAn comes from the fact that each year they add a new man to their group, someone who has a track record of mountaineering They're equipped with all they need for camping out and enduring the rigors of below freezing temperatures and the rugged terrain of the mountain.. If all goes well, the group will reach the summit by New Year's Eve and set off a fireworks display as they approach the midnight hour. Residents below will watch and cheer when they see the team have made it to the summit.

Why do men and women climb mountains, I've often wondered. As someone who is terribly afraid of falling, due to bad experiences, I've never understood the attraction but I expect it has something to do with the rush of adrenaline one gets from achieving something many would find impossible. Or perhaps they need to prove something to themselves, accomplish something that gives them a feeling of self worth. To encounter danger on the slopes and be able to surmount it, or to stand on the peak of the mountain and feel themselves near to God? Whatever the reason, there is one thing I know for sure. God isn't impressed by this show ofcourage or any other accomplishment man or woman may boast of.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with ambition or the achievement that follows. But that's for this life and this world. In Heaven we may be surprised to learn that rewards we have earned have nothing to do with earthly accomplishment. It's what we do for others out of unselfish motive or ambition that makes an impression on the Creator of the Universe. He is a god of incredible love and will love us the same whether we spend our lives as a quadriplegic being pushed around by others or even one of those homeless people sleeping in the park. All he wants is us, pure and simple. As the Psalmist wrote, “Be still and know that I am God”. We don't need to climb a single mountain to make an impression, just accept the precious gift of his son, Jesus. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is a quiet time spent with him each day.

I might also mention that when we choose a profession for the money involved or the prestige it offers we're not winning God's approval. And if we make a large gift and brag about it, he turns a blind eye. Only those who give out of a heart full of love are rewarded in Heaven. God wants only us, he really doesn't want our money. He can make gold appear in the mouth of a fish!

So let us give thanks for all he has given, praise him often and love him well. Right now I'm gazing at those mountains in the distance, watching the glory of the sun rising above them and feeling so glad I don't have to climb.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.