“He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.”—Mark 3:13 NASB

It was an important time in Jesus’ ministry. Multitudes followed Him. Many were healed. Others were delivered from unclean spirits. In this busy time, Jesus was conscious of His need for solitude. After this, He selected a special group to be His primary disciples. These were matters that required discernment and clarity. Here, for the first time in Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus going to a mountain, where He could make important decisions. Jesus would return to the mountains on many occasions. We see how these mountains were special places where He could be alone with the Father. It was on a high mountain that Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:2). And it was on the Mount of Olives where Jesus delivered an important message just before His ascension. Jesus also used mountains as analogies to convey spiritual truths. Illustrating the principle of faith, Jesus said that if you speak to a mountain, believing and without doubt that it will move, “It will be granted [you]” (Mark 11:23). Mountains can be symbolic places for the followers of Jesus. These represent places of pilgrimage, places dedicated to prayer and study, and places where we can be more sensitive to God’s presence. Look for opportunities to spend time with God, freed from distractions. Pray, study, seek His help for the decisions you must make, and spend time alone with Him.

Reflection Question: How can you make room in your schedule for time with your Father?

“I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. But I fear that somehow your pure and simple devotion to Christ will be corrupted.”—2 Corinthians 11:2–3 NLT

Although he lived long ago, William of Ockham developed a principle that still is effective. An influential religious leader and scholar in fourteenth-century England, he is most remembered for Ockham’s razor theory, a principle stating that it is pointless to do with more what can be done with less. This principle has been applied as a reminder of the benefits of simple solutions. For example, William would argue that when two theories might work, the simpler one should be preferred. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. Paul taught the Corinthians that there are forces in the world that seek to complicate our lives. People (and Satan) can seek to disrupt our faith, confuse us, and distract us with clever-sounding ideas. For example, Paul noted how Eve had been given everything she needed for success. She just needed to obey God. Instead, she was deceived by the serpent, who confused her with suggestions that led her to stray from God’s truth. Seek to stay on guard against temptations that might lead you away from “your pure and simple devotion to Christ.” Spend time reading God’s Word and learning to recognize His truth. Don’t be deceived by false doctrines, complicated teachings, or people who might try to deceive you. Trust your life to Jesus, obey God’s Word, and seek to serve Him with your life. It is that simple.

Reflection Question: How do you tend to complicate the Christian life?