LightGrams
August 7, 2025
Volume 29, Number 24
Seoul National University in South Korea recently offered scholarships of up to $540, and more than 1,400 students have applied for just 70 spots. These are not academic scholarships, nor ones based on sports. Instead, students must climb at least six mountains.
There are about 100 mountains students can choose from, all listed in Black Yak’s Famous Mountains. A mountain is not eligible if it has cable cars or gondolas, and those participating must provide evidence of their climb through the Black Yak app.
The scholarship is funded by a 1963 alumnus, the United Press International story states. It also notes the reason for doing this: “The scholarship reflects the donor’s desire to foster healthy individuals with a spirit of challenge and community spirit.” Students have until the end of the year to complete their climbs, though with so many competing for so few scholarships one should not wait too long to begin climbing.
We all know that God has offered a “scholarship” to heaven. Heaven is not like life on earth, where problems, sickness, pain, and death are features we all expect to come. Not so in heaven. Revelation 21:4 provides a snapshot: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Yes, sign us up! We long for that kind of life!
But what’s the catch? Does God require us to climb Mount Everest, or maybe several challenging peaks? In a sense He does. But before you walk away, look closely at the offer.
First, understand that this gift is free: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). How can God give such a gift to people who have all been guilty of sin? Because Jesus’ blood was “shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
Jesus has done His part, but there are expectations of us. Revelation 12:11 gives a glimpse: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Those last two conditions show that followers of Jesus must be dedicated to Him and committed to living a life free of sin. We must allow Jesus to change us.
Those conditions sound challenging, a bit like climbing tall mountains. On our own we can’t do it. But the good news is that Jesus promises to stay by our side, helping us along the way: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29,30).
Living life faithfully to Christ can be a difficult climb; Satan is constantly on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). But with Jesus helping us pull our burdens – we’re yoked to Him, remember? – we can do this!
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2025, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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