The ladder

In his philosophical take on faith, Soren Kierkegaard spoke about how we are united with God. He notes: "we become united with God NOT by climbing a mystical ladder to heaven, but by God's descending to our level and claiming us for his own."

I think this is such a beautiful picture of Grace. We often misunderstand our spiritual quests as the work we do in order to reach God; however, we forget that the work has already been done by Jesus, who climbed down the "ladder" (the Incarnation) so that God could be with us.

If you faith seems as if you are constantly trying to climb another rung on the ladder, to get closer to Jesus, perhaps take a break and allow Christ to step into your world.

John 1:14 -  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Don't Quit

"Most people who quit don't give up at the bottom of the mountain; they stop halfway up it." - John Maxwell

Don't quit now! You are already halfway up the mountain - just think of the view you will have from the top. All the sweat, pain and sacrifice will be worth it.

So, if you are reading this post today, thinking about giving up, then I urge you to reconsider. If God has called you to this task (this mountain), then please keep climbing. Christ will be your guide.

1 Timothy 6:11 - But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Climbing companions

"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions." - Matthew 5:1-2

I absolutely love this phrase that Eugene Peterson uses in his version of Matthew 5:2.... "climbing companions." It speaks to me on so many levels, but reminds me that my faith journey is not made alone - Christ makes the journey with me. 

In the end, this for me, separates Jesus Christ from all other deities - other gods wait for us to work our way to them, but Jesus climbs with us. The adventure of faith/life is like climbing a huge mountain and we have a climbing companion who also acts as our guide. Brilliant hey!?

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -Helen Keller

Living in Grace
D3LM3