I have come to the conclusion that life is nothing but processes and tests, all meant to conform us to our father's image. And we have to decide which one. The father of this world or our Heavenly Father.
Our Heavenly Father lovingly pursues us and then gently guides our steps to perfect us into His Son's image. Sometimes because of our rebellious heart He has to use a sledgehammer.
The father of this world, in which we are born, along with his minions spend every moment trying to destroy what The Father loves.
We spend our days here searching for love and truth and there are many counterfeits! Our pursuit leaves us wanting until we find the correct path, i.e. the narrow road that leads to Life everlasting. It's the hard road; least traveled.
All of the other roads have signs directing you to them, and of course the all say "narrow road!" Some have big flashing lights. Some are classic. Some are paved with jewels! The right road is overgrown and the path rocky. It's not appealing for all of the blood! You see our flesh does not want the pain. It does not want the lack. We do not want to be inconvenienced in any way. We want the promises and the crowns, but we don't want the sacrifice that it takes to procure them!
You see the narrow road requires you to lay down your "self"; give no consideration to your flesh. In fact it requires your flesh to die! And dying to self hurts!
Looking at; owning your sin and confessing it to another person, means laying down your pride. No one wants to do that! And that is what we are commanded to do! (James 5:16)
The majority of denominations offer a sterile salvation; where you don't get dirty and you look good! Everyone cheers and applauds you walking down the aisle, you say some words, pronounced "saved" and the angels rejoice! Then you go to church the rest of your life (maybe) and live life like the world, unchanged. That is the broad road.
Then there are other options. Much like buying a car. They will cost you, but we are told they are worth it. They give the appearance of "rightness", because they require effort, in study, money, maybe even travel. You might even have to relocate. Lots of people do it and again there's the applause. People think you are wonderful for doing it. And of course the comradery gives validity in the conferences attended! Another red flag of the broad road; numbers.
The narrow road is the lonely road. It's the road that offends. It's the road that results in persecution by those who refuse to walk it. It makes them look bad so they accuse and bully; used (unknowingly) by their father to intimidate and distract.
The narrow road gives no consideration to self; brings no limelight or notoriety to the one walking. The one that finds the narrow road understands a servant's lot and willingly accepts the lack of recognition. No promotion for the journey; depth yes, elevation no! He digs deep into his heart to make more room for his Savior to inhabit! He diminishes as The LORD increases! I was once told, "It doesn't matter how bad you look, if Jesus looks good!"
The narrow road does not cost hundreds of dollars to walk it! There is no shipping and handling fees! No postage to pay! No best seller list to choose from, nor top ten promotion to join.
However, the narrow road is a toll road. It costs you everything you own! Actually more than you will earn in a lifetime! And you will want to give until there is nothing left! For you know what it cost to build that road and you realize Who paid and how!
Open your eyes! Look at those around you on the road and examine their fruit. Those you have chosen to walk alongside, do you see fear in operation in their life? Do you see gossip? Do you see anger? Do you see worry? Do you see bitterness? Or do you see peace in the midst of the storms?
Open your ears! Are they encouraging you to conform to the image of Christ? Do they preach repentance from sin? Do they point you to the cross or is their name in lights?
If it's about you (or them) then you are on the wrong road!
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 KJV
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 11/1/15
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