For most of us, a Washington summer means cookouts, yard work, lower electric bills, and perhaps a vacation. Some, however, see it as a prime opportunity to scale some of the more forbidding mountain peaks in the Cascade range. Mountains the size of Rainier and Baker present an enormous challenge even with the weather is favorable, as evidenced by the numerous rescues that have been the subject of our local news coverage.

Whenever I see someone undertaking some seriously dangerous endeavor simply out of a desire for a sense of accomplishment, I am filled with wonder and awe. I wonder why they would possibly risk life and limb when they do not have to. I am in awe of their lack of a self-preservation instinct. I can only conclude that the need for accomplishment is something they possess which, at least at times, overrides any other thought process going on in their minds.

However, there is no need to ascend mountain peaks, base jump from skyscrapers, or ride a bike from Seattle to Portland in order to find challenges and get a sense of accomplishment. There are challenges around us in everyday life and we should try to meet these before looking elsewhere for accomplishments. .

There are few things more intimidating than approaching a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or other acquaintance in an attempt to share the hope that God has given us through His Son. Yet, when you share the good news of eternal salvation with someone you care about by speaking, as Paul describes it, “the truth in love,” you will be filled with a feeling of spiritual warmth that surpasses any feeling that can be found on earth, regardless of the response of the other person.

The key, however, is to approach this challenge in the correct manner. It is not to be seen as a mountain to be climbed or a bridge to be bungeed. It is to be seen, rather as an expression of the love God has given to us and as it wells up within us, we must share it with others. It is a challenge, but not to our pride. It is a challenge put to us with gentle words and deep love. That makes a most difficult challenge to turn down.

I have never enjoyed going to graduation ceremonies, including my own. When I graduated from high school, my mother told me I was going to the ceremony. I went only because I knew there was no arguing with her and I might as well go quietly. When I graduated from college, my mother asked me to walk through the ceremony. Because of my love for her, there was still no way I could skip the ceremony.

Jesus challenges not with commandments but with love and heartfelt requests. He challenges us with soft words that form hard arguments. He challenges us with examples in which He showed love in far more difficult circumstances than we can imagine. He challenges us to share what we know to be true and, because we know it is true, we know we can not possibly turn down that challenge.

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