Fork in the Road

Matthew 7:13-14

“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."

When I was considering my future prior to graduating high school, I pondered two options; join the workforce (since college was not one of my choices), or join the military (an option that did not come right away, but was in the back of my mind).

As I contemplated this decision, I realized that my qualifications would be extremely limited to retail or manual labor jobs that would not be career oriented. I knew that I needed some direction and motiviation to further my ambitions and become something more than just an average person who settles for less.

The decision to join the military seemed to be my best option. But choosing that option meant that I was going to be facing the unknown, and knew that it was a hard life filled with many challenges, difficulities, and hardships.

Nevertheless, I forged ahead and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Aside from the grueling 3-months of recruit training, which was difficult, I spent the next 21 years travelling on a journey that took me through some valley moments and mountain top experiences.

If I did not make that decision to enlist and went about being average by taking the easy road, I seriously doubt anything would ever change me the same way the Corps did.

As we traverse life, we will eventually come to a fork in the road, and we will be forced to make a decision. We can go left or right. We can choose the wide gate or the narrow one. Each poses a consequence based on our choice.

Do we go the easy route and follow the crowd? Or do we take the lesser travelled path that is narrow and difficult to navigate. The destination is what matters most. The wide road and the gate that Jesus mentions is one that leads to destruction - kind of a nice way of saying going to Hell. He further tells us many will pass through this gate.

Jesus also contrasts this with the option of going by the way of the narrow gate. It is described as a difficult way and only a few will find it. But the destination is rewarded with eternal life.

We all have to make difficult decisions from time to time, but the decision you make that determines your eternal future is paramount. You can choose to go the easy route and take your chances. But you will be gravely disappointed to know that it will only lead you straight to damnation and hellfire.

To choose the narrow gate, even with its difficulties and hardships, will lead you to paradise. This decision is made by asking the Lord to forgive you of your sins, and save you from the wrath of God that your sins deserve - which is death, the eternal separation from God. This has been afforded to you by way of the death and resurrection of Jesus, who died for you and forgave you all your sins.

Which way are you going to go when you come to that fork in the road?

Your servant in Christ,

Tom