To reach the heights of anything worthwhile takes years of discipline and perseverance.

Champion figure skaters begin as young children. Doctors train for years. CEOs reach the top after spending decades climbing the corporate ladder.

For Christians, climbing the Kingdom ladder is a bit different. The heights achieved aren’t about standing above nations or achieving worldly success. And the power to climb comes from God’s grace, not from our own strength. Furthermore, many of the blessings are hidden within the journey itself.

We spend years enduring spiritual poverty to better enjoy God’s Kingdom. We train for decades in humility to better appreciate our place within His rule. We suffer through mourning to discover true comfort. We battle a lifetime of sin to better see God. We surrender years of bitterness to finally know peace. We endure rejection from others to better embrace Christ’s acceptance.

Climbing the Kingdom ladder is a long, but rewarding journey. Only those who listen and obey, who fall into the arms of grace when they want to give up and walk away, achieve it.

The key is to never take your eyes off the goal. As you climb, look to the heavens. Jesus stands at the highest heights, beckoning you to join Him.