Mastering Mountains

“We pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19

Every Monday night, Bruce and I keep the grandkids for our daughter, Kristen. The other night eleven month old Kherington was continuously lured to the steps going down into the dining room. We have several staircases in our home but these only have three steps. Knowing the lure of the steps from experience with my own children years ago, I decided to sit down and allow her to go up and down these steps in an effort to help her learn the safe manner in which to climb. Knowing the dangers of step climbing, I gently helped her navigate up and down the steps so that when she tackled the staircase with many steps she would be more prepared. I sat there on that top step for over 30 minutes watching her intent face and disciplined body try to “master her mountain”. I had her best interest at heart and knew she was trying to grow more independent.

The temptation and lure of this world is to look out for ourselves and to do what is best for our own good, not the common good of all. When going through our days we are called by God to a spirit of peace and encouragement to others. We are to be building blocks to others as opposed to stumbling blocks in their faith. We are to neither judge the faith of others nor forego the opportunity to guide others in their growing faith.

The importance of guiding and encouraging others in their faith is acknowledging that a great deal of their development in faith is to sit by them as they tentatively maneuver their own relationship, but be by their side for encouragement and an occasionally hand to steady their faith.

When trying to “master our mountain” we require patience, love and understanding as well as our own timeline in our faith. We are to be patient and loving when sitting on that top step as we watch our fellow Christians trying to master their own mountain and grow independent in God.