Self-control, also known as self-discipline, is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). It is something that humans have struggled with since Adam and Eve couldn’t exercise it in the garden. This everything-at-your-fingertips-immediately, me-first culture we now live in makes it harder and harder to exercise self-control. We are constantly being bombarded with “do what makes YOU happy”. But this is so contrary to how God calls us to live.
It was close to hour six of our ten-mile, eleven-hour hike over the Columbine Pass that Romans 1:20 resonated with me. At that time, we were at approximately 11,000 feet, and the 12,000 foot pass was right around the corner. It could have been my fatigue getting the best of me, but I really believe it was the Holy Spirit putting praise in my heart for the glory of God through His creation. Every few steps I would look around and audibly say, “Wow”. The beauty, height, and power of the mountain gave me a glimpse into the eternal power and divine nature of God.
Mountains are huge and difficult. They stand in the way of a straight path to the other side.. we can’t even see the other side from where we stand. And in this life on earth, we always have mountains in our hearts that block the straight path to the other side. Mountains that, without a savior, we are helpless to overcome.
