--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are not built for mountains and dawns…" description: "\"“We are not built for mountains and dawns and artistic affinities; they are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ad/oswald-chambers-205_art_we-are-not-built-for-mountains-and-dawns_1400366.png" --- # We are not built for mountains and dawns and artistic… ![“We are not built for mountains and dawns and artistic affinities; they are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff of life, and this is where we have to prove our mettle. A false Christianity takes us up on the mount and we want to stay there…” quote by Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ad/oswald-chambers-205_art_we-are-not-built-for-mountains-and-dawns_1400366.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ad/oswald-chambers-205_art_we-are-not-built-for-mountains-and-dawns_1400366.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0ad/oswald-chambers-205_art_we-are-not-built-for-mountains-and-dawns_1400366.png) > ““We are not built for mountains and dawns and artistic affinities; they are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff of life, and this is where we have to prove our mettle. A false Christianity takes us up on the mount and we want to stay there. But what about the devil-possessed world? Oh, let it go to hell! We are having a great time up here.”” [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote contrasts lofty aspirations with everyday reality, urging focus on ordinary life where true character is tested, rather than chasing lofty, possibly deceptive ideals. **In simple terms:** Focus on daily life to prove yourself, not lofty fantasies. Key Takeaway Live authentically in everyday moments. Themes character faith authenticity everyday life spirituality Mood reflective serious thoughtful Type aphilosophical inspirational When to use this quote - workplace - family life - personal growth - spiritual practice Key Concepts existentialism theology humanism Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance aspiration with daily duties? - What ordinary moments reveal your true character? A Different Perspective Idealism can distract from practical responsibility and personal development. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Discipleship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discipleship/) [Having A Great Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/having-a-great-time/) [Hell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hell/) [Inspiration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspiration/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/we-are-built-for-the-valley-for-the-ordinary-stuff-we-are-in-and-that/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“Shall I run back into the desert ... and stay there until the devil has passed out of me and I am fit to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saul-bellow/shall-i-run-back-into-the-desert-and-stay-there-until-the-devil-has/) [Saul Bellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saul-bellow/) > [Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/discipleship-is-based-solely-on-devotion-to-jesus-christ-not-on/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [It is possible to know all about doctrine and yet not know Jesus. The soul is in danger when knowledge of doctrine outsteps intimate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/it-is-possible-to-know-all-about-doctrine-and-yet-not-know-jesus-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [Our Lord's conception of discipleship is not that we work for God, but that God works through us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/our-lord-s-conception-of-discipleship-is-not-that-we-work-for-god-but/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“The call of God is a call according to the nature of God; where we go in obedience to that call depends entirely on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-call-of-god-is-a-call-according-to-the-nature-of-god-where-we-go/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“ Do I have a personal history with Jesus Christ? The one true sign of discipleship is intimate oneness with Him—a”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/do-i-have-a-personal-history-with-jesus-christ-the-one-true-sign-of/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [Our Lord never lays down the conditions of discipleship as the conditions of salvation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/our-lord-never-lays-down-the-conditions-of-discipleship-as-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“You cannot have a moral holiday and remain moral, nor can you have a spiritual holiday and remain spiritual. God wants you to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/you-cannot-have-a-moral-holiday-and-remain-moral-nor-can-you-have-a/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“Holy Suffering "Choosing to suffer means that there must be something wrong with you, but choosing God's will - even if it means you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/holy-suffering-choosing-to-suffer-means-that-there-must-be-something/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/go-therefore-and-make-disciples-of-all-the-nations/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“God is not preparing you for anything; obedience is its own end in the purpose of God; be faithful to Him.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/god-is-not-preparing-you-for-anything-obedience-is-its-own-end-in-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“Discipleship is based not on devotion to abstract ideals, but on devotion to a person, the Lord Jesus Christ;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/discipleship-is-based-not-on-devotion-to-abstract-ideals-but-on/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [I have two teenage sons, and they're both surviving, thriving, and having a great time, and they're always on social media.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-bloom/i-have-two-teenage-sons-and-they-re-both-surviving-thriving-and/) [Paul Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-bloom/) > [Just think about the game. Think about playing great, having a great time. Helping my team win.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deion-sanders/just-think-about-the-game-think-about-playing-great-having-a-great/) [Deion Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deion-sanders/) ## More by Oswald Chambers > [“If we deliberately choose to obey God, then He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist us with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/if-we-deliberately-choose-to-obey-god-then-he-will-tax-the-remotest/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [Realize that the Lord is here now, and the freedom you receive is immediate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/realize-that-the-lord-is-here-now-and-the-freedom-you-receive-is/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [You will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/you-will-never-cease-to-be-the-most-amazed-person-on-earth-at-what/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [When Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross, it was not the blood of a martyr; or the blood of one man for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/when-jesus-christ-shed-his-blood-on-the-cross-it-was-not-the-blood-of/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/sorrow-burns-up-a-great-amount-of-shallowness/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“Let circumstances take you where they will, but keep drawing on the grace of God in whatever condition you may find yourself.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/let-circumstances-take-you-where-they-will-but-keep-drawing-on-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-goal-of-faithfulness-is-not-that-we-will-do-work-for-god-but-that/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/we-are-in-danger-of-forgetting-that-we-cannot-do-what-god-does-and/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/it-is-a-solemn-thing-and-no-small-scandal-in-the-kingdom-to-see-god-s/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“If my holiness is not drawing towards Him, it is not holiness of the right order, but an influence that will awaken inordinate affection…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/if-my-holiness-is-not-drawing-towards-him-it-is-not-holiness-of-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [“My spiritual history must have as its underlying foundation a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. To be born again means that I see Jesus.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/my-spiritual-history-must-have-as-its-underlying-foundation-a/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/we-always-have-visions-before-a-thing-is-made-real-when-we-realize/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [The lasting value of our public service for God is measured by the depth of the intimacy of our private times of fellowship and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-lasting-value-of-our-public-service-for-god-is-measured-by-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [The thing that awakens the deepest fountain of gratitude in a human being is that God has forgiven his sin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-thing-that-awakens-the-deepest-fountain-of-gratitude-in-a-human/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [The secret of the missionary is...I am His, and He is carrying out His work through me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-secret-of-the-missionary-is-i-am-his-and-he-is-carrying-out-his/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) [Explore all 922 Oswald Chambers quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) ## More Art quotes > [True works of art contain their own theory and give us the measurement according to which we should judge them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/true-works-of-art-contain-their-own-theory-and-give-us-the/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [Before Noah, men having only water to drink, could not find the truth. Accordingly...they became abominably wicked, and they were justly exterminated by the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/before-noah-men-having-only-water-to-drink-could-not-find-the-truth/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [“Hear the sum of the whole matter in the compass of one brief word — every art possessed by man comes from Prometheus.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeschylus/hear-the-sum-of-the-whole-matter-in-the-compass-of-one-brief-word/) [Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeschylus/) > [I think most artists feel like they're outside society - no matter how many accolades they receive, or how much money is in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-rose/i-think-most-artists-feel-like-they-re-outside-society-no-matter-how/) [Aaron Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-rose/) > [The capacity to be puzzled is the premise of all creation, be it in art or in science.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-fromm/the-capacity-to-be-puzzled-is-the-premise-of-all-creation-be-it-in/) [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) > [That's the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/that-s-the-great-secret-of-creativity-you-treat-ideas-like-cats-you/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [“So, really," continued Jacob as if this were perfectly normal to expound on art in these circumstances, "when you think about it, the artists…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justina-chen-headley/so-really-continued-jacob-as-if-this-were-perfectly-normal-to-expound/) [Justina Chen Headley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justina-chen-headley/) > [“There are two options in art; either to adopt philosophical life by dissecting art, or to write your own philosophical life and claim it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/taf-teh/there-are-two-options-in-art-either-to-adopt-philosophical-life-by/) Taf Teh > [The house has to serve comfort. The work of art is revolutionary; the house is conservative.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adolf-loos/the-house-has-to-serve-comfort-the-work-of-art-is-revolutionary-the/) [Adolf Loos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adolf-loos/) > [During human progress, every science is evolved out of its corresponding art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-spencer/during-human-progress-every-science-is-evolved-out-of-its/) [Herbert Spencer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-spencer/) > [In literature and art memory is a synonym for invention. It is the life-blood of imagination, which faints and dies when the veins are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-aris-willmott/in-literature-and-art-memory-is-a-synonym-for-invention-it-is-the/) [Robert Aris Willmott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-aris-willmott/) > [I think a business guy is different from an artist. They walk different paths. Artists create the best outputs when they're having fun. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-dragon/i-think-a-business-guy-is-different-from-an-artist-they-walk/) [G-Dragon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-dragon/) > [“The only thing--I tell you this straight from the heart--that disgusts me in Salzburg is that one can't have any proper social intercourse with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/the-only-thing-i-tell-you-this-straight-from-the-heart-that-disgusts/) [Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/) > [The sublime in art is the attempt to express the infinite without finding in the realm of phenomena any object which proves itself fitting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/the-sublime-in-art-is-the-attempt-to-express-the-infinite-without/) [Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel/) > [Art isn't done to decorate apartments, but to wage war against the enemy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pablo-picasso/art-isn-t-done-to-decorate-apartments-but-to-wage-war-against-the/) [Pablo Picasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pablo-picasso/) [Browse all 48,643 Art quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“We are not built for mountains and dawns and artistic affinities; they are for moments of inspiration, that is all. 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