If we want to go to Oklahoma City or Dallas, there are many roads we can take. However, there are only two roads we can take when it comes to eternity. Jesus explains:
“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 choose the difficult road full of potholes and speed bumps that few will take, or we can take the smooth, wide road.
Many like to take the smooth road because it doesn’t require effort. When we take that broad road, we can look just like the world and engage in any sin we want. While traveling down the broad 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. It is like sliding down a water slide that ends in a pool full of alligators.
When we choose the broad road, it leads to hell, where 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 deaths.
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 a 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).
So, 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!
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