On Choosing the Right Path

I often think about the rules of the road. Of course, this is a good thing when one drives on the road. When driving we have to know how fast we should go, when we can pass or when we cannot, when we need to stop, when we need to yield for pedestrians, etc. This is all obvious to us.
Without these rules our path would be disorderly and at times chaotic. People would be much more apt to drive where they wanted to drive. More traffic jams would occur. Even more people would be frustrated at others’ driving habits because everyone would have their own idea of the rules. Ultimately, people’s lives would be in danger without any sort of guidance.Jesus recognizes this in us as people. As human beings created in the image of God, we need the rules of the road to guide our travel.
Now, it goes without saying there were no stoplights or painted lines guiding the way (but more than likely roundabouts!). And yet, can easily see how Jesus’ teaching on the type of path we should take in his Sermon on the Mount is still as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus gives us this simple metaphor, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
In this teaching, Jesus is connecting a common, everyday life reality with the path we ought to choose in life. The wide gate and the wide path are tempting because we are assumedly more “free” to make our own decisions and do what we want to do. However, as we know—through either our own experience or the experiences of others—doing whatever we want simply does not work out in the end.
We jeopardize our lives in this world when we follow the majority of people in the pursuit of external gratification and luxurious lifestyles for temporary pleasure. We jeopardize our lives when we pursue worldly power and wealth. We jeopardize our lives when we decide for ourselves what is right and good.
Rather, just as a child flourishes with hard and fast boundaries, when we choose the narrow gate and path, we choose to follow the Way of Jesus. We accept that the rules of the road put in place by Jesus guide us toward a life that is fulfilling, satisfying, and meaningful! We accept Jesus’ teachings by being a servant-leader, by taking care of the least of these, by humbling ourselves as Jesus humbled himself.
This is the road that is not easy. In fact, it is difficult! But it is the road Jesus promises that will lead to life. Jesus not only tells us to follow the narrow road, but he lived it. Jesus leads us onto this road by living the way God created us all to live. A life that is lived by following the street signs and the lines on the road. A life that seemingly restricts us, but in the end a flourishing life that honors God and gives true freedom.
As you seek direction in life, may you consider entering in on the narrow road that is difficult, but one that leads you to true life. God bless you.
Peter Moen
Pastor, Concord Church of Christ