The above is a 24 June screen capture from MSNBC’s Week in Pictures (it's photo #8 in the slideshow). When I first saw it I thought it was a diorama – looking too sharp in detail, and totally impossible to achieve! The depth of the scene stretches for miles, doesn’t it. The worker appears at the end of any possible path.
Yet, he – and the work – must move forward. Now, Christian, don’t you sometimes see yourself right at that point? Thinking that there’s no possible way to get to the top of the looming mountain? Surely life is better in the valley where there is no danger of falling? Have you forgotten the work you’ve given to reach where you are now?
Yep, all those thoughts and questions ran through my mind when I saw that picture. But that’s not what runs through his. This is part of his daily work. In fact, the caption states that the work “comes naturally.”
How much of our Christian life comes naturally? I think all of us have to keep working at it. Paul exhorted Timothy to continue fighting for it:
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12 KJV)
In writing to the Philippians, Paul tells us what to think about:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
All of that is done within ourselves, not for show to someone else, not to win favor with God, but to keep us close to Him. We have His grace and His mercy as soon as we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
Changes within us confirms to ourselves and others that very acceptance. Jesus taught that in His ministry:
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (Matthew 15:11 KJV)
How hard can that be? Surely no more than building a road, by hand, up the side of a vertical mountain?
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Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the blog. Comments should take into consideration this verse: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)