Like a Mountain, but Not Really

Looking at a mountain gives one an idea of what the mountain is like. But to truly experience a mountain one needs to climb it. To experience God one must climb the Mountain of God

           Do you like to bike, walk or spend active time outside? One of my favorite workouts is to bike on our local bike trails. When winter comes I still spend time outside, but the bulk of my workouts head inside. A treadmill replaces my bike. To get the most out of it I set it to its steepest grade and walk. It reminds me of walking up a mountain, minus all the good stuff like the thrill, the view and being in the great outdoors. In the end it doesn’t really compare.

When we set our foot upon the trail we can see that a mountain is full of life and color.

            In the same way, this photograph gives you an idea of what Colorado’s Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain are like. The photo displays their beauty and majesty, but it does not reveal what these mountains are truly like. In order to experience these mountains, we have to go there.

The Need to Climb

           We first need to stand miles away to take in their strength and grandeur. Only then do we begin to appreciate them. Still we must go closer. We must smell the pine trees, set our foot upon the trail and feel the cool air.

            As we begin to climb the steep path we feel the struggle inside. With every step we experience the strength of the mountain, but also its beauty. We look at the trees, the other plants, and the animals and see that these mountains are full of life.

A ptarmigan and many other animals make a home on the mountains.

            The trees give way higher up on the trail. The endless view above the tree line reveals the magnificence of the many surrounding peaks and the valleys below.

            Eventually you make it to the top. A boulder over looking the view gives rest to your tired, but happy soul. Exhilaration and satisfaction bubble within at the thought of knowing you have made it!

Climbers experience the view from Hallett Peak

            I have been to the top of Hallett and Flattop, and know that the view is awesome. When one hikes up a mountain, one can know the mountain. The words “a mountain is big, rugged and beautiful” mean more to someone who has climbed that mountain as compared to someone who has only seen a photograph.

The Mountain of God

           The same is true with Christianity. We cannot really experience God by going to church a few times or by reading a small portion of the Bible. In order to experience the power of Christ, we must give ourselves fully to God. We must immerse ourselves in Him and begin to climb the mountain of God. With every devoted step we will experience Him more and learn new things about Him.

            Come and join me on the hike up the mountain of God. When we get to the peak, I hear the view is awesome!

Click to read about climbing the Mountain of God’s Word.