Climb the Highest Mountain ∙∙

Climb the Highest Mountain ∙∙

A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. – Luke 12:21

Hebrews 11:24-26

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

A Story of Faith and Resilience

The 1951 film I’d Climb the Highest Mountain, produced by Twentieth Century Fox, is based on Corra May Harris’s 1910 novel, A Circuit Rider’s Wife. The story follows a Methodist minister called in 1910 to serve as a circuit rider in a remote mountain community in northern Georgia. Accompanied by his new bride, the couple settles in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their contrasting backgrounds, with William Lundigan as a Southern native and Susan Hayward as his city-born wife, add complexity to the challenges they face.

Lundigan assumes the role of a spiritual shepherd, tending to the emotional and spiritual needs of his congregation. Yet the region’s isolation and poverty strain his marriage and faith. Despite these trials, his unwavering faith and inner strength enable him to guide his congregation through their struggles, including a severe epidemic. His steadfast leadership and commitment to spreading the Father’s love exemplify the film’s title; he truly climbs the highest mountain.

The Challenge of Priorities

Every child of the King faces unique challenges, especially when it comes to setting priorities and making adjustments to meet them. Life often presents competing demands, making it hard to balance earthly responsibilities and spiritual commitments. However, Scripture gives clear guidance, encouraging believers to put God first in everything they do.

By prioritizing His will above all else, children of the King can handle life’s complexities with confidence, trusting that their choices fit into His divine plan. This prioritization is not just a one-time decision but a continuous process of surrender and obedience. It requires faith, discipline, and trust in His authority.

Exodus 20:2-5:

“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.”

Every individual has a distinct role within the Father’s Kingdom. Pursuing it can create tension until a firm commitment is made to place the Father’s will above all else. Afterward, life becomes a journey of faithfully putting it into practice. 

Moses: A Model of Faithful Prioritization

Moses embodied a strong commitment to his faith. He willingly rejected Egypt’s indulgent and sinful luxuries, choosing instead to align himself with the people of God, the nation of Israel. His choice was rooted in faith, as he sought the eternal reward promised by the Father. Like the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered for His people, Moses faced hardship, choosing to endure mistreatment alongside the children of Israel rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Hebrews 11:24-26:

“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Jim Elliot once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” This perspective reflects the heart of a life lived in faithful obedience to the Father’s will.

Father, like Moses and Your other faithful servants, may I find the courage and strength to climb the highest mountain You have assigned to me, trusting in Your guidance and provision as I pursue Your eternal purposes.

INSIGHT

Eric Liddell: A Story of Principle, Commitment, and Dedication 

The film Chariots of Fire portrays Eric Liddell as a man of unwavering faith and resolute priorities. His devotion to the Father took precedence over all else, even the prestige of competing in the Olympics. Liddell refused to run on Sunday, which he regarded as the Lord’s Sabbath, despite immense pressure from British officials, government representatives, and the media. Headlines accused him of prioritizing God over the King, branding him a traitor for upholding what was seen as “r” on a global stage that demanded compromise.

However, Liddell’s story took a remarkable twist. Trusting in the Father’s guidance and feeling His pleasure, Liddell competed in a different event, where he not only won the gold medal but also set a new world record. Overnight, he transformed from a figure of national disgrace to a celebrated international hero.

Yet, Liddell’s most significant triumph was not achieved on the Olympic track. He later answered a higher calling, dedicating his life to missionary work in China. His commitment to serving others and spreading the Father’s love became the defining legacy of his life.

Reflecting on his journey, Liddell once remarked, “… since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals” (christianity.org.uk).

Liddell’s life serves as a powerful testament to the eternal value of faith, purpose, and unwavering conviction. His story challenges us to consider the greater race we are all running, a race not for earthly accolades but for an eternal reward.

Athletics, Faith, and Calling

Liddell understood, as the apostle Paul did, that athletics and spirituality could align with one’s divine calling. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 states,

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

Liddell echoed this sentiment, saying, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” His life demonstrated that faith and purpose could guide every endeavor, whether on the track or in the mission field.

Eric Liddell: A Legacy of Faith and Sacrifice

Eric Liddell’s earthly rewards were modest because the Father had a greater purpose for his life. In 1943, during the Japanese invasion of China, Liddell was captured and confined to a Japanese internment camp. Despite the harsh, oppressive conditions, he became a beacon of hope. Liddell devoted himself to serving others, teaching Bible classes, assisting the elderly, organizing recreational activities, and teaching children science. His selflessness and unwavering faith inspired those around him, even in the darkest circumstances.

Unlike the miraculous escapes of biblical figures, Liddell’s story ended differently. He suffered from an incurable brain tumor and died on February 21, 1945, just five months before the camp’s liberation. According to a fellow missionary, his final words were a profound declaration of his total devotion to the Father: “It’s complete surrender.”

True Riches in a Relationship with God

Luke 12:21 reminds us, “A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” The Lord Jesus Christ warned His followers about the dangers of misplaced priorities, particularly regarding wealth. True richness is not found in material possessions but in a deep and meaningful relationship with the Father.

The Lord did not promise His followers wealth or comfort. Instead, He foretold challenges, resistance, and persecution. Yet the intimacy of a relationship with the Father far surpasses the fleeting value of material goods.

Eternal Perspective

Barclay writes, “There is a story of a conversation between an ambitious youth and an older man who knew life. Said the young man, ‘I will learn my trade.’ ‘And then?’ said the older man. ‘I will set up in business.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I will make my fortune.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I suppose that I shall grow old and retire and live on my money.’ ‘And then?’ ‘Well, I suppose that someday I will die.’ ‘And then?’ came the last stabbing question.”

Eric Liddell’s life serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate race is not for earthly accolades. His life, marked by faith, humility, and sacrifice, exemplified what it means to be fully committed to God. His unwavering dedication to serving others and fulfilling the Father’s will demonstrated a life lived “all in” for His honor. The highest mountain Liddell climbed was not one of earthly accolades but one that led him into the eternal presence of his heavenly Father. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us to live with an eternal perspective and to prioritize faith, service, and surrender to the Father’s will above all else.

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© Dr. H 2026