THE WAY

I am almost afraid to ask this question, but - when you give directions for someone to drive to your location, do you provide them a slew of options they can choose from or do you equip them with the most direct route? Hopefully it is the later - the more direct route. In the same vein I desire to supply Scripture supporting the direct route to eternal life in Heaven with God to both my family in Christ and unbelievers.

There is a saying that states, "All paths lead to the same god." This is true IF you do not know and/or claim Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, King, and God. Many, many paths have been laid out on the broadest of roads to accommodate those who desire to live for self. Satan, fallen god of this world (Luke 4:5-6), has attached himself to the end of the self-made road of life. In the New Living Translation, Jesus explained it this way -  

• You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The original word Jesus used to describe the "highway to hell" was euruchōros. This means spacious. Jesus makes it plain that choosing "the easy way" is an option. It is definitely not the wiser decision. The New International Version goes a step further and defines "the easy way" - For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. The easy way is destructive and destruction itself. Why wouldn't Satan make every path on the broad road to hell an opportunity to strike back at God. The Father of Lies (John 8:44) mode of operation is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). The path of "self" steals a life away from God and potentially leads it down a road of destruction to eventual death.

On a completely different set of tracks you have The Way to life eternal with God in Heaven. The road that these tracks are lying on does not leave any space for wiggle room. The original word Jesus used for describing the - "narrow" - road was thlibō. This means to crowd. It is a straight-and-narrow, narrow-minded way. To this lifestyle Jesus adds a sad, qualifying remark - "and only a few ever find it". Be one of the few, the humble, a Christian (said in the voice of "Be one of the few, the proud, the Marines.") who find it.  

Allow me to help you find the narrow road. Permit me to set you on the tracks that will lead you to eternity with God in Heaven. Prayer:  Dear Jesus, you said it best. Please speak to people's hearts and minds once again from what you told John and set us straight.

• Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Amen.