Incline

Inclines can be treacherous!  I’m not a mountain climber so I have no personal reference at how difficult climbing is, but I do recall a few rides that made serious ascents.  The mechanical sounds of hauling a load of people made me think of “grunts” I would have made climbing!

 

We will never know Christ apart from spiritual incline.  Personally, I found the fast and furious downhill thrill of a roller coaster exhilarating – Mr. Bill did not!  The very nature of gravity makes descending easier; just let ‘er rip tater chip!  The status of our culture can be described much the same way: left to our own “inclinations,” we’re in great and serious decline!  In our search for meaningful life, gratification, entitlement, guilt-free living, and prosperity, we are as far from the truth as Adam (first man).  As Believers nod in agreement, we must realize that [we too] suffer from failure to [at times] find all-sufficiency in Christ Whom we proclaim.  Paul writes, “In Him we have Redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.” (Ephesians 1:7).  Quite simply, unless we incline ourselves toward Christ, we will continue to decline.  God’s Wisdom for today is, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. My son, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are Life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:19-22).  While decline is otherwise easy, the incline demands work and diligence.  To grow toward Christ in mind and heart is 365x24x7; the reward is every need of body, spirit, and soul is met and in surplus!  Get going, friend – Incline!