Choosing The Way!

Coasting along is easy. Going with the flow does not require much effort. It is trying to paddle upstream against the current that requires ENDURANCE AND RESOLVE. However, the GOOD LIFE is worth the effort. Simply drifting along, how can we know where we will end up? Though majority vote may pass legislation, that does not mean they are always right. So, simply going along with the crowd is not a wise principle for living our life. In fact, the direction of the masses may be reason enough to not follow! Before ever offering the reason to do something as "Well, everyone else is doing it", that very thing is worth some earnest consideration. Why? Because of what Jesus noted in His sermon on the mount.

Jesus clearly stated. . .
"(13) Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (14) For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that LEADS TO LIFE, and those who find it are few." ( Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

Jesus did not imply any other choice. Only two. And it was not the way chosen by the many that LEADS TO LIFE. Compared to the choice of the masses, it is the few who find it. Which way are we DILIGENTLY FOCUSED on following?

Note the way this passage reads in "The Message" translation.
"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life -- to God! -- is vigorous and requires total attention." [Peterson, E. H. (© 2002). The Message: The Bible in contemporary language. Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.]

Yes, there are all sorts of offers for the "GOOD LIFE" made by this world. However, Jesus is "the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE" and only access to the Father. ( John 14:6) That may seem narrow, but that is how Jesus described the gate. (note also Acts 4:12 and John 10:7) Coming to Him and following in His Way, there are no shortcuts. As the Savior of the world, He merits our full attention as we seek to grow in allowing Him to be Lord of every aspect of our life. May we resolve to diligently focus on His Way and Will as we resist the world's flow to live the Lord's ABUNDANT LIFE ( John 10:10) now and sweet ETERNAL LIFE with Him to come!

Have a great day GIVING CHRIST'S WAY TOTAL ATTENTION!
Carl

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