Being a Christian isn’t the easy option. It’s not the opt out. It’s not choosing the easy life. Often it’s exactly the opposite. Jesus actually tells us that we are going to have trouble. Fortunately he then immediately tells us, ‘But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33). Troubles are definitely going to come, but He will be with us as we go through them.
Being a Christian is to walk the narrow path, to choose what is right not what is easy. It’s a scary path. There are stones and potholes along the way. Some stretches of the narrow path have a steep drop on one side. You will fear that you might fall. You will inevitably stumble; everyone does. But here’s the reassurance: Though you fall, you shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds you with his hand (from Psalm 37:24). Our Heavenly Father walks along the path with us, holding our hand. Remember when you were little? When you tripped and fell, grazing your knee, a grown-up would pick you up and put you back on your feet. If needed, they would clean the wound and put a plaster on it to ensure that it healed.
Along the narrow path, you have to very carefully watch where you put your foot. Look ahead to where you are going, but not too far in the distance. Be constantly alert as to where to put your foot for the next step. Fortunately, Father God helps us with this too. His word shines a lamp on the path, precisely where we are to take the next step (Psalm 119:105).
The narrow path is hard, but the destination is worth it. It is the only path that leads to life, real life, abundant life, everlasting life (Matthew 7:14). Each of us will come to the fork in the road at some point. Will you choose the wide path along with the crowd, or will you be courageous and take the narrow path that leads to life? The choice is yours.
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