Both And, Not Either Or

When we consider the need to climb higher in aunthetic worship and go farther in compassionate service we have to remember that both are necessary for us. 

The mountains are places where we can survey the horizon and get proper perspective. It's in these intimate moments with God that we can experience true inner healing and restoration. But what you notice is that nothing grows on a mountain top. We can't live on the mountain top, even Moses and Elijah eventually had to descend into the valley. But what they gained on the mountain top was the strength they needed to live and serve in the valley. While the mountains are barren they do gather snow and when the snows melt they provide water to the valleys. The mountains also serve to create climates that support life and growth. The winds and the rains are affected by the mountains. 

In the valleys we experience growth. Its there that the sun, soil, water, and toil all come together to bear fruit. While the valleys are hot and difficult they are also the places where we enjoy the fruit of our labors. We see in the harvests how God has been at work through our efforts bring life out of the death and seeing our lives enriched.  We often resist the valleys because the represent change and work, but when we descend from the mountain top with a heart strengthened by our encounter with God we can see real growth and power in our service to others.

Share some of your recollections of personal mountain top experiences and seasons of valley growth below......

Going Farther in Compassionate Service

When Jesus called His followers together on the mount of ascension it was loaded with meaning. As I mentioned in my previous post to this blog the mountain top has a spiritual connection that crosses cultural lines. In the Bible God often calls His people to the mountain in preparation for sending them to 'go out' on assignment (Abraham, Moses, and Elijah come to mind) which creates the natural/spiritual connection between climbing higher in authentic worship and going farther in compassionate service.

As followers of Christ it's always tempting to try and dwell in the 'mountain top' experiences of our walk with Jesus. Those times of incredible intimacy with our Creator and Lord are truly inspiring and energizing. But, while we walk this earth our times of worship and intimacy are the fuel for our seasons of compassionate service.
We're reminded of this in Acts 1:8 when Jesus tells His disciples - my paraphrase - "You will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you (climbing higher) and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the world(going farther)."

What are some ways that you can prepare your heart to transition from times of authentic worship to seasons of compassionate service to others?

Share your thoughts below.......