What is MOST Important

There is a fable of the two ladders leaning against opposite walls.  As far as the eye could see the ladders were identical.

Way up into the clouds, the walls looked similar, also.  So, one man began climbing one ladder, while another man climbed the other.

They climbed and climbed.  They climbed for years.

It was hard.  They were tired.  It took a lot to keep climbing.

The man on one ladder encountered people climbing down his ladder from beyond the clouds.  It was awkward to twist and lean to allow people to pass him.  And he’d ask each of them:

What did you find up there, beyond the clouds?  What’s at the top of this ladder?

And each person coming down had a different answer.  One said, “There’s only money at the top”

Another said: “There are only promotions at work”

Another said, “There are only trophies for sports”

And he asked each one, “But what else?

And they each replied, “There’s nothing else.”

Then, he built up the courage and asked:  “Does anyone know what’s at the top of the other ladder?”

And they all said, “Not many of the things that are on this side, but at the top of the other ladder there is:

Fulfillment

Significance

Meaning

Purpose

Peace with God

Peace of mind

Peace with others

And Love…there is a lot of love.”

And in sad desperation, the man who was climbing up said: “I’ve spent all of this time only to discover that I climbed the wrong ladder.”

You and I don’t want to get to the later years of our life only to discover that we climbed the wrong ladder.

So, today, ask yourself:  What is MOST important in life?  Then, have the wisdom and courage to build your life around that answer!

--Brad Johnson is Pastor of California Community Church, Agoura Hills

The church meets in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom each Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00.  There are activities for all ages.