How Far Did You Get?

The young man from the forestry department paused from his duties to speak to Pam and Jacki while I bypassed the conversation and plopped myself into the front seat of the car. We were hot, spent and apparently showing the wear of the day so the young man asked, "How far did you get?" We had just finished hiking the Loch Leven trail off I-80 near the Big Bend exit. We did not look like the fresh glowing youths that had passed us often as we paused for breath in the thin air of the high Sierras. We obviously had the look of well intentioned hikers who trail off the trail before it ends to return with a resolve that next time I’ll go all the way. So, "How far did you make it?" …still, hung in the air. With lowered heads we confessed, "Just to the railroad tracks." He graciously tempered our efforts with an understanding nod that it was terribly hot today and we felt consoled. But next time we’ll go the distance.

However, I think our forestry department friend posses a question that has application for all of life …"How far did you get?" Paul words it this way to Corinth, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you –unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test (2 Corinthians 13:5,6)." Now before someone piles on Jesus’ saying if we put our hand to the plow and then look back, well, we’re not fit for the kingdom… let me suggests that destination is about relationship not distance covered. The journey of life and walk of faith is not about skill levels but rather about being Spirit led, Christ filled and God centered. That is, the journey within determines the journey without. Christ in us is the hope of glory so we keep on with the struggle of the journey knowing our energy is accompanied by His working through us and in us (Colossians 1:27-29).

"So, how far have you gone?" –is a question about drawing nearer to God not some arbitrary spiritual goal. Don’t get me wrong… I think we need spiritual goals. Those goals should aid us in getting closer to God not stroke our egos with accolades from others or the satisfaction of conquering the perceived mountain for bragging rights. The question should challenge our prayer life… our faith… our love for God! So, "How far did you make it?" -DAN