The Ascent - Part 1

The Ascent - Part 1

Would you call yourself ambitious? Ambition is what gets us moving when the trail turns steep and the air gets thin. That’s why Sundays function like base camp: a place to gear up, check the map, and start climbing again.

“Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?” — Psalm 24:3

Mountains are a fitting picture for the life of faith. Abraham on Moriah, Moses on Sinai, Elijah on Carmel, Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration—each met God up there and came back changed down here. When we transcend the mountain, the mountain transforms us.

Climbing also takes community. At Tough Mudder there’s a section where you’re supposed to carry a partner through gravel. It’s a beautiful metaphor for discipleship: some days you lift; some days you’re the luggage. Either way, no one finishes alone.

Why do we use the mountain metaphor so often? Because life has levels (immaturity to maturity, fear to courage, selfishness to generosity) and difficulty (thinner air, colder temps, narrower paths). Progress requires intention. Drift happens by default; ascent happens by design.

When we climb the mountains of life, we need to pack four essential tools:

1. Rope (Relationships): “Those who walk with the wise grow wise.” Find people ahead of you who can pull; be the person behind who pushes.

2. Route (Rhythms): Holy outcomes need holy rhythms—Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, serving.

3. Resilience (Grit): Switchbacks aren’t setbacks; they’re how mountains are climbed.

4. Reverence (Presence): The summit isn’t a view; it’s a Person. God meets climbers.

Here’s the invitation: bring your ambition to base camp and your next step to God. Lace up. Clip in. Breathe deep. The ascent is not about getting there fast or flashy—it’s about being formed with every faithful step. Let’s climb.