Life on the mountaintops is dangerous. It is where we can most easily adopt the perspective that we are in control and don’t need to depend on our Creator.
Mountaintops are about abundance. Like everything else, our perspective determines what that abundance turns into. We can convert material abundance into spiritual abundance. Or we can become a slave to our material abundance.
The mountaintops can help us see the care of God in our lives. It can be advantageous. We can choose to view the mountaintop as our greatest test. If we can see what is true while circumstances scream all that is false, the mountaintop becomes a great place to know God. The mountaintops can give us a glimpse at abundant life. They can provide great encouragement. The mountaintop comes with the opportunity for increased responsibility.
We can also have the illusion that mountaintop experiences bring fulfillment. Inevitably, we discover that material wealth does not bring true comfort. Dependence on “stuff” crowds out that which brings true prosperity. Serving others with our mountaintop prosperity leads to love, purpose, and connection. Hoarding “stuff” leads to isolation; we can love stuff but it can’t love us in return.
Peter and John were allowed up the Mount of Transfiguration. It is clear from Peter’s writing that it made a permanent impression and greatly shaped his ministry. Peter learned not to camp on the mountain, but to invest what he learned. We are invited to do the same.