THE NARROW ROAD

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”

I liken the narrow way to heaven as a one lane road going in one direction. I am not aware of any verses in scripture that speak of it being a two way road with people coming and going, while I am certain that if someone had it in their mind to pull a 180, better known as a U-Turn, I don’t believe God would stop them. I see it more as a single lane road heading in one direction with a shoulder and exit ramps providing many opportunities to pull to the side of the road or go off on a tangent, at times far from God’s chosen path. Free will allows for this.

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”

Being allowed to do anything you want to do in this life comes with a price. Depending on what you choose to do, the price can be quite lofty. Reaping and sowing always comes into play. There are always consequences that result from our actions. Always. A person with a conscience … a person who listens for the voice of God … will consider the consequences and who would be effected by his or her words or actions. Those without a conscience do as they please without any regard to the consequences. This is selfish behavior that will never be rewarded with anything lasting or eternal in value.

The roadway to hell is paved with the lives of those who strove to please themselves and GET as much and ACHIEVE as much as they possibly could. They became wealthy and perhaps even influential, but in the end were left an empty shell with no substance. There is a reason Christ came and it was not to provide those who believe in Him with riches and power and influence. It was not to aid us in our climb up the ladder of business and financial success. These things cannot buy you ANYTHING that is lasting and certainly nothing that you can take with you in the afterlife. We strive and strive for all the wrong things if we do not strive to please God first.

The late Keith Green has an excellent song entitled “Unless the Lord Build the House”.* Here is the chorus: “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain to try at all, Building anything not according to His call. Unless the Lord wants it done, You better not work another day, Building anything that will stand in His way.” Let that minister to your soul and reflect on how you are living your life. What is most important to you? What have you made your top priority? If it isn’t the Lord, then you are wasting valuable time that can never be recovered. The narrow road may be long, may be winding and difficult at times, but in the end, you will never be dissatisfied with where you end up. Trust God to fulfill His promises from scripture and have faith that you will always be provided for with just exactly what you need, just exactly WHEN you need it. And we shall praise Him for His incredible patience, grace and mercy.

WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!!

* Circa 1980-82; Word Records.