This past summer my wife and I hiked a mountain trail on a beautiful sunny day in Whittier Alaska. The trail was steep, but was said to provide a breathtaking view. As with many hikes, the further we walked and the higher we climbed, the more we begin to question whether or not we REALLY wanted to ascend all the way to the top.

As we walked, we came upon another couple on their way back down the mountain, who’d already been to the top. As they quickly approached, short of breath, I asked “Is it worth it?” They were almost all the way passed us when the man joyfully replied, “Everything is worth it! It just depends on your perspective!”

I can’t remember anything about what the man looks like, but his words immediately struck me. I was expecting to hear a yes or no, not a philosophy lesson! As we continued, I pondered his words and pretty quickly concluded, he’s right! Whatever it is, no matter how hard it is, it’s worth it…IF you have the right perspective.

Our perspective is our attitude, our point of view. Perspective includes the WHY behind what we do.

So what is our perspective to be? The Westminster Catechism poses the question, “What is the chief end of man?” and answers, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Christianity teaches that the greatest motivation, the highest good, for every human being, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That’s the Christian perspective! Everything we do is for God.

So the question, “Is it worth it?” really boils down to the question, “Is God worth it?” And the answer is a resounding YES. Life can be quite a climb, BUT—whatever we do, we do for God, and God is worth it…Everything is worth it, if THAT is our perspective.

God’s worth it because He loves us so much that He died on a cross so that we could be forgiven and have a relationship with Him.

He’s worth it because He gives us eternal life.

He’s worth it because He gives us a purpose. He not only saves us but also uses us to further His mission.

He’s worth it because His character and work are perfect.

He’s worth it because He’s stronger, more loving, and more satisfying than the world’s best thing.

He’s worth it because He’s empowered us to battle sin that destroys us.

He’s worth it because He’s faithful to change, what needs to be changed in us.

He’s worth it because he’ll never leave us or give up on us.

Because of these, and a million other reasons, HE’S WORTH IT.

Btw, the view from the top of that mountain in Alaska was STUNNING! I’m so glad we didn’t turn back. Don’t ever turn back. Keep looking up. Keep living for His glory. He’s more than worth it.

#LookUp