The path less well travelled.

We are all given the same two choices in life, there are two gates through which we could enter. The wide gate which has a broad path with many on it, or the narrow gate with a difficult path and few walking on it.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. – Matthew 7:13,14

In recent years, it seems the worldwide church has often tried to make the gate wider and the path easier. It’s as if a third way has opened up, one which allows more people to find it and feel comfortable walking on it without giving up much at all. This new path could even be seen as a cool and attractive alternative to the other ways and it’s even wide enough to take big ambitions and egos of the leaders on it. Jesus says there are only two paths.

Everyone starts out on the wide path, nobody needs to go looking for it. Many people will feel they are doing well, because they walk with such good company. Little do they know it leads to destruction.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. – Proverbs 14:12

The gate is Jesus himself.

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. – John 10:7-9

There are many other religions and leaders but they do not lead to eternal life with God. There is only one Christ Jesus and He is the only way.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. – John 14:6

The way to the right path is small because you cannot bring your baggage along with you. When a rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to gain eternal life, Jesus gave an answer which made him sad.

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”* – Matthew 19:21

It’s not just our obsession with physical possessions which hold us back or keep us from living a life pleasing to God. We also need to let go of our past hurts, unjust opinions, pride and ungodly ambition. In the words of the hymn; Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.

Once through the gate, the Christian life can seem hard at times, as we are no longer going with the crowd. The life of Jesus was tough even though He did no wrong. His early followers knew how difficult it was too. Paul only knew he would face persecution and hardships wherever he went.

All genuine Christians know this narrow path well. I believe we will also see the joy of walking the path less well travelled, as we continue on and win the battles we face. As we walk the narrow path, we prove who we are and to whom we belong. Our reward is not all here below, this is just the proving ground. Our reward is in eternity and our joy will always be in Christ. Be of good courage as you walk along the path less well travelled which leads to Him.

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. – Proverbs 4:18-27