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This morning, my wife and I went for a drive in the country with coffee in hand, a pastime we both enjoy. We found our way to a national park not far from our home and eventually discovered an inviting pathway through the trees near an equally serene lake. Snapping photographs as I always do, the unfamiliar leafy trail under my feet reminded me of all life’s different pathways—some routes beneficial and some destructive. I also thought about Jesus and how He talks about the narrow road that leads to life: “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.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV)
The narrow pathway through the trees was undeniably alluring, but the park also serves as a protected bison and elk sanctuary. So yes, there are wild animals roaming free throughout the area, as would an unleashed cat or dog in a residential neighborhood. Both creatures are majestic in their own right, but I’d rather observe them at a safe distance as opposed to up close and personal. Perhaps it was God’s way of protecting us, but as we were about to continue along the path, it started to rain, and we chose to return to our car rather than get wet and come face to face with something very big and covered in fur.
Though disappointed at not being able to explore further, I was also fine with making a choice to keep my wife and me safe on an unknown path. That’s how it is in life, isn’t it? Some roads, pathways, or gates are more inviting, and if we aren’t careful, they can lead us away from Jesus and towards destruction and self-harm: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” But Jesus wants us on the narrow path. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV)
Have I always been on the narrow path? No, I haven’t. But I do know which path I prefer, and that’s the one that leads to Jesus. I encourage you to enter through the small gate and narrow road that leads to life, to choose a pathway towards salvation and eternal life. Jesus doesn’t mess around when he says, “Only a few find it,” and that alone is reason enough for me to ensure that my life path leads to my Saviour and not to destruction.
Whatever road you currently find yourself on, if you can’t lift your head and see Jesus up ahead, then you need to pick a different path. Wide gates and broad roads might be more inviting, but small gates and narrow roads lead to freedom and eternity.
Paul Smyth
P.S. If you would like help in finding and walking that “narrow path”, click here!
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