TWO ROADS
By Cougan Collins
lgchurchofchrist@cableone.net
If we want to go to
“Enter by
the narrow gate; for wide is the
gate and broad is the way that
leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and
there are few who find it” (Mt. 7:13-14).
God has kept it simple for us. We can either choose the difficult road that is full of potholes and speed bumps that few will take, or we can take the smooth wide road.
Obviously, many like to take the smooth road because it does not require any effort. When we take that wide road, we can look just like the world and engage in any sin we want. While traveling down the wide road is easy and can bring us much worldly pleasure, it is only temporary. While the short ride might seem fun at the time, it ends in disaster. When we choose the wide road, it leads to that horrible place called hell. There we will receive everlasting destruction where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mk. 9:44; 2 Thess. 1:9). Knowing where this road leads is about as tempting as riding a fun roller coaster that we know will end with us plummeting to our death.
While few people will choose to take the difficult road, it is worth it. As Paul said:
“For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
Living the Christian life
can be challenging at times. Sometimes, we will fall down because of sin, but
we should never allow ourselves to stay down or start going down the broad
road. Instead, we should take the advice of Paul:
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all
run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to
obtain a perishable crown, but we for an
imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:24-25).
The writer of Hebrews
adds:
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so
easily ensnares us, and let us
run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author
and finisher of our faith, who
for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).
While the difficult road
can be challenging, its challenges are only temporary, but it ends with eternal
life in heaven where there will be no more death, sorrow, or crying (Rev.
21:4).
Which road will you choose? Will you follow the world down the broad road, or will you be one of the few that travels down the difficult road by enduring and remaining faithful to God (Rev. 2:10). The choice is up to you! We invite you to worship and study with us to learn more about first century Christianity – lgchurchofchrist.com.