The world has 14 mountain peaks over 26,000. Many seek to climb them all.
Yet, only 44 people have climbed all fourteen. One of them is Ed Viesturs.
In 1993, Ed, without the help of supplemental oxygen, achieved the “central summit” of the 14th-highest peak. It was close enough to count. But across a narrow spine of 300 feet was the true summit of the mountain. Yet, it seemed suicidal to try.
It took eight more years and a dozen more climbs before Ed inched his way to the true summit.
As Australian explorer Damien Gildea said, “People are stopping short because it’s too hard. And I say, that’s not really a good excuse for a climber.”
Do you climb as high as you can go?
Paul was a climber. He gave up fame and family approval to pursue Christ and preach the gospel. He did it because something was more than “good enough.” He told the Philippians:
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14)
Has your faith grown into a convenience comfortableness? Perhaps you have decided that “far enough” is enough for God.
Yet, if you are a genuine spiritual climber, ask yourself if that’s a good excuse. Where are you on the mountain of spiritual growth today?
-Robert G. Taylor-
