Climb Your Mountain

Let me start by saying, the following information did not originate with me.  I was introduced to this a number of years ago while I was in Jacksonville, FL.  The reason I wanted to write about climbing your mountain is to reach people who have not heard of the 7 Mountains of Influence.  There are a few people teaching this.  However, if you haven’t listened to them, you will likely never hear the message.  That is, unless you read the rest of this blog post.

Here’s the break down.  There are seven major “mountains of influence” in any culture.  They are:  Religion, Family, Education, Government, Media, Arts, and Business.  Those who are at the top of their mountain influence the culture at large.  You don’t believe me?  Who makes decisions which impact our lives on a daily basis?  Who distributes information to us?  Who educates our children?  Do you think these sources may impact our lives?

For the longest time, I truly believed I was supposed to climb the “Religious Mountain.” I spent my youth and a large portion of my adult life in that pursuit.  I had opportunity to minister and teach hundreds of times.  I just couldn’t find a way to make it my vocation.  This frustrated me and caused me to question my worth.  Meanwhile, I was working in the RV Service and Parts industry to pay the bills.  I found myself getting promotion after promotion.  I had opportunities to work with some of the best in the business.  Yet, I was frustrated because I wasn’t gaining ground on the religious mountain.

One day, the obvious smacked me in the face.  I remember thinking, “You have worked hard with little to show for it over here.  Yet, every time you put in an effort over here, you succeed.  You big Dummy!  Open your eyes!”  At that point, I began to shift my focus.  I began seeking out resources for training in my field.  I attend seminars, watch webinars, read publications and blogs.  I ask questions from the best in the business and constantly look for areas to improve myself, my people, and my department.  This has afforded me the opportunity to speak God’s Wisdom into situations where no one had a solution.

Why am I writing about this?  It certainly isn’t to brag; I have a long way to go.  Some of you are in the same boat I was in such a short time ago.  You are striving to advance on the wrong mountain.  You are working extremely hard to advance while you are going backward.  Take inventory.  What are you passionate about?  What comes naturally to you?  Where do you excel?  Find the answer to these questions and you’ll know what mountain you should be climbing.

I’m climbing the business mountain on the RV Service Industry face.  I’m about midway and have a high climb ahead of me.  Thankfully, I have people behind me giving me support.  I have people ahead of me letting me know where the anchor points are located.  God continually gives me insight into the rock slides heading our way and we are able to make headway.

My desire is for you to climb to the top of your mountain.  If you are an educator, influence the next generation within the Kingdom of God.  If you are an entertainer, do so to the glory of God.  If you are a journalist, speak the truth in love.  If you are in business, be honest and generous.  If you are a preacher, equip the saints to climb their mountains (not yours).  If you are in government, rule for the good of the people even if it costs you.  If your passion is your family, raise up a generation who will advance the Kingdom of God.

If you are on the wrong mountain, make a change.  Get to the top.  Bring someone along with you.  Climb your mountain!

“If it’s lonely at the top, you did it wrong.” – Michael T Smith.