From the Mountain to Monday: Where Resilient Purpose Is Found

From the Mountain to Monday: Where Resilient Purpose Is Found

Nothing weakens resilience faster than meaninglessness.

We can endure difficulty. We can persevere through stress. We can even survive suffering for a time. But when life begins to feel pointless—when our work seems unnoticed, our service small, our faithfulness ordinary—strength slowly drains away.

Meaning fuels endurance.

That’s why Transfiguration Sunday matters more than we might think.

A Glimpse of Glory Before the Valley

In the Gospel accounts, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His appearance changes. His glory shines. The Father’s voice speaks. It is a mountaintop moment in every sense.

But notice when it happens.

It comes just before Jesus goes down into Jerusalem—to betrayal, suffering, and the cross.

Before the valley, there is a vision of glory.

The disciples needed to see who He truly is before watching Him suffer. They needed their vision strengthened before their faith was tested.

So do we.

Because most of life is not lived on the mountain. It is lived in the valley—in homes, offices, classrooms, workshops, conversations, responsibilities, and routines.

And that’s exactly where Paul sends us in Colossians 3:18–4:6.

Sent Into Ordinary Callings

Paul addresses husbands and wives. Parents and children. Workers and those in authority. Everyday relationships. Ordinary vocations.

At first glance, it can feel almost anticlimactic. After soaring theology about Christ’s supremacy and grace, we land in instructions about daily life.

But Paul reframes all of it with one breathtaking statement:

“You are serving the Lord Christ.”

That changes everything.

Your job is not merely a job.
Your parenting is not merely parenting.
Your marriage is not merely marriage.
Your daily faithfulness is not unseen.

When you belong to Christ, every calling becomes a place of service to Him.

The Applause That Sustains

We often look for meaning in results.

Did it work?
Did it succeed?
Did anyone notice?
Did anyone thank me?

But results fluctuate. Recognition fades. Enjoyment comes and goes.

Paul anchors purpose somewhere deeper: not in outcomes, not in applause from others, not even in how satisfying the work feels—but in serving the Lord Christ.

And from Him comes something far more enduring: His approval.

This is where resilient purpose is born.

When your meaning rests in Christ’s resounding “well done,” you are freed from the exhausting chase for validation. You are strengthened to remain faithful even when no one is watching. You can descend from the mountain into ordinary life without losing heart.

Glory That Sends Us Back Down

Transfiguration is not an escape from the world. It is preparation for re-entering it.

We stand with the disciples and behold His glory. We hear the Father’s voice. We remember who Jesus is.

And then we walk back down.

Back into the routines.
Back into responsibilities.
Back into callings that may feel small—but are not small in Him.

Resilient purpose is not found in extraordinary platforms. It is found in ordinary faithfulness empowered by an extraordinary Lord.

If your daily life has begun to feel small, unnoticed, or wearying, lift your eyes to Christ’s glory.

Then go back into your callings knowing this:

You are serving the Lord Christ.

And that changes everything.