The Climb and the Helicopter
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Picture two people standing on the same mountain top. One climbed it, scraped knees and all. The other stepped out of a helicopter. The climber sits down and drinks in the view for an hour. The helicopter passenger takes a photo and asks when they’re leaving.
More and more of our work can be done by helicopter. Shortcuts, tools, instant results. Some of that is a gift. But there is something the climb gives that the ride can’t: the patience and character that come from doing hard things slowly.
Scripture values the climb. “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” And Proverbs notes that “he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Use the tools God gives you. Just don’t let every summit come by helicopter. Some of the best things in your work are the ones you had to climb for.
Read it yourself
Read James 1:2–4. What does James say the trying of our faith works?
Is there an area of your work where you have been skipping the climb that would actually make you better?
Lord, give me patience for the climb. Let the hard work you put in front of me shape me. Amen.