By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.” (Psalm 18:32-33)
I’ve never been mountain climbing before, but if I were to go, I would want to have more experienced climbers with me. Veteran mountaineers pave the way for those coming behind, securing the hand and footholds and mapping out a safe route to the top. They tether themselves and others to a safety rope which is fastened to special gear securely locked in place along the route. If someone loses their footing and begins to fall, the safety gear keeps the climbers from plummeting too far.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)
Tandem mountain climbing has some similarities to the Christian journey. Those who go before us map out the best route to the top, while those who come behind us need our example to spur them on to newer heights.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:10)
I have heard it said the healthiest Christians have individuals in their lives that are traveling before, beside, and behind.
- Those who travel before pave the way for others, inspiring them to reach new heights.
- Those who travel beside share one another’s life experiences with love and support.
- Those who travel behind spur us towards discipleship. As we pave the way for others, we have a responsibility to model genuine faith, reflecting the radiance of God’s Son.
We are on this journey together, so why not watch out for one another? When we see someone stumble and fall, let’s offer our hand to help them back up. If we see someone veering off the clearly marked path, let’s walk beside them and lovingly guide them back on track.
We are all working to reach the summit. The journey is much more enjoyable when we scale the mountain together.
“Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
“If the LORD delights in a man’s way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-25)
With each step up we are reaching new heights.
