The Easy Path or the Right Path?

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."  -from The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost

The men who would become the disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ each made a life-changing decision when they chose to forsake their comfortable and familiar lives to follow him.

There was nothing unusual or special about them. They were just ordinary men used by God in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. The Gospels show the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed him (Matthew 10:2-4).

I suppose "ordinary" is the keyword used to describe them. They were much as you and I are today. Just regular folk living regular lives. I often wonder what would happen if I were in their place. For once they took Jesus up on his offer, their lives, from that point on, would never be the same again.

If they had known the difficulties and hardships that were ahead of them, would this have dampened their enthusiasm? I feel that since they were living, breathing, feeling human beings they probably had their days of doubts. After all, we are only given glimpses of their journey with Jesus in the Bible.

But, if one of them had kept a daily journal I am sure we would have seen many instances of uncertainty. We too, are confronted with making a choice to follow Jesus Christ or not. The difference being is that now his offer is available to all of us, and not just a select few.

As it was then, it is now. If you choose to follow Christ, there will be troubles and travails (John 16:33). Don't get me wrong! There will be hills and valleys in life anyway. But today we can either choose to go at it alone, or with Christ (Matthew 16:25).

Thus, at some point in time we will encounter a fork, or divide in the road. It is familiar to each of us. On one side is the "easy" way. There, we may continue on living life as we have been. Living only for self and today. Not wanting, nor caring to be bothered or inconvenienced too much. Yes, it appears to be the "easy" way, just remember: appearances can be deceiving!

The other path is the Way offered by Jesus Christ. Yes, there will be rocks, potholes, and pitfalls waiting ahead. Some days will greatly try your patience and faith. You will be tempted, and may even succumb to temptation along the way. There might be days when you question or second-guess your decision. This is a somewhat more challenging route, for sure.

The path you select is totally up to you. No high-pressure salesman will (or should) try to force you to take one or the other. Before you make your decision, consider a few points. The "easy" path is one you will travel on your own. Friends, family, acquaintances will come and go along the way. And anything gained during your journey will remain behind after it is over.

The other path, taken with Christ, is quite different. There are no pretensions here. He only asks that we place our faith in him, and let him guide us. As mentioned, the path is not easy, but we will become stronger in faith and character with each obstacle we meet. Christ will never forsake you. He is right there, with you, every step of the way. If it ever gets to be too much, just call on him and he will be there (Deuteronomy 31:8).

And when our journey through this life is over, wouldn't it be nice to be assured that it really isn't over? That you will be given something better than anything imaginable here on earth? Through Jesus Christ, by his life, death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven, we have been given the promise of eternal life (Jude 1:21; John 3:36).

Oh! I almost forgot! As you arrive at that fork in the road there are two signs marking the paths. They may be a little worn and dirty, and hard to read, But if you wipe them off, you will see some writing there. One sign has "Life" written on it. The other says "Death." Which path will you decide on?

Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 6:23; John 17:3; Romans 10:13; John 5:24

Prayer:  Holy Father, I pray for your presence, guidance, mercy, and grace, not just today, but every day of my life. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Julie Ann