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"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:19-23)
If you have been following my blogs lately, you'll see that I am doing a lot of allegoric writing, Similar to these allegoric writings are the New Testament parables, which our Lord often used in His teaching to prove a point of doctrine.
So both these writing styles have an ability to freeze the temporality of a story, while infusing it with a spiritual context, the only difference being that our Lord's parables were inspired by God, through His Son Jesus Christ to have a lasting spiritual effect on our lives. (II Peter 1:20-21) (II Timothy 3:16)
My blogs, however, are along the line of a fictitious literary genre. A contemporaneous mixture of secular and spiritual characteristics. In other words, this blog could be considered a parable of sorts; an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Consequently, here we go.
I happened to be taking my evening walk when suddenly, as if by divine intervention, I was joined by a complete stranger. Well, not exactly. You see, this gentleman was dressed in the garb of our local farmers, and he was extending the thumb gesture, as if he was hitchhiking.
I thought this maneuver a bit unusual, since I had no transportation. When I explained to this strange gentleman, that I had no transportation and was just taking my evening stroll, he just smiled and joined in the walk.
We walked what seemed to be hours, and then suddenly we came upon a fork in the road. Looking down the paths, I could see one road was narrow and covered with rocks. While the opposite road was much wider, with a smooth path ahead.
"What do you think about these roads? Which one should we take?” my new-found pal asked.
"Why would we choose the narrow rocky road, when it seems to be a much more difficult road than the wide smooth one?” I replied.
His response, "Well, my child, would conquering a difficult road not bring you more personal satisfaction than an easy road with no challenges?”
"I guess you're right. In thinking ahead, I have always liked physical challenges and interacting with others always seems to energize me,” I concluded.
He then smiled and said, "It's kind of like you being in a family of God at church, and like meeting life's challenges, in your Christian walk, would you not say?”
Then, as if by divine instruction, this strange man pulled a well-worn New Testament Bible from his jacket pocket, and began to read.
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (I Timothy 4:8)
"Well, you seem to be right on target,” I exclaimed.
"If so, then which road are you going to choose? Will it be the narrow one or the smooth one with the least resistance?” he questioned.
"Can't we just wait till we get a little closer, and let me then make a better judgment?, I asked.
"Why sure we can,” he responded.
As we moved closer, I happened to notice both roads had gateways displaying large notices. The narrow road’s sign read "To The Spirit.” The wide road’s sign read "To The Flesh.”
"What do you think these signs mean?” I asked my new-found companion.He then responded by telling me that I would need to determine that on my own. I thought to myself, "Well a lot of help you are, sir!”
The gentleman did, however, ask me to name these two roads, based on what I observed. Without thinking, I named the wide road "Easy" and the narrow road "Hard.”
"So, just one word names?" he asked. "Yes, I just named them quickly, as I saw them,” I replied.
"Then how would you compare these roads to your life's road?" he asked.
“Well, since you put it that way, here goes.” Considering the two signs, I speculated.
"The narrow road sign directs us to life in the Spirit. And the wide road sign directs us to life in the flesh.”
"The narrow road of life is the best to take in the end, as it displays the help of God's Holy Spirit. What initially appears like the wrong life's choice always turns out to be the right choice with the help of God, and the result of traveling down this road is an eternity in the presents of a Holy God.”
“Whereas, the wide road not so good. It leaves out any mention of God, by emphasizing the flesh. Displaying the word flesh is simply an indication that life in today's fast lane is falsely portrayed by Satan himself to lure the more liberal, broadminded, self-centered person. So this road represents leading to one's destruction in the end," I concluded.
"Well spoken", the man replied.
"I must admit I had a little help, as this was the topic of my pastor's sermon last Sunday,” I answered.
Then, again by divine instruction, this strange man pulled the well-worn New Testament Bible from his jacket pocket, and began to read.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." (Matthew 7:13)
"Wow, what a powerful case in point of God's word. I just can't wait to tell my pastor all about this experience,” I exclaimed.
This well-mannered gentleman continued the point of Matthew's Scripture, as if he was talking from behind my church pulpit.
"These two roads may be deceiving at first glance. Yes, in the journey of your Christian life, you will find your walk to be rocky at times. At times, the road will appear to be hard to travel, even dangerous and seemingly unbearable, but never judge your narrow road of life by what it looks like, or what it feels like. In the end it will lead you to a life everlasting in your heavenly abode. The wide road could very well lead to a cliff. A pleasant journey may lead to death and Hell.
Always look to the destination where your road of life is carrying you. If you are on the right road, don't get discouraged by the terrain. Never give up. Keep pressing forward, by prayer and supplication, in anticipation of your final eternal destination. You see, it is the destination that actually counts. Your life's road will not be known by its terrain, but by the good you do for the kingdom along the way,” he declared.
"You sound just like my preacher. Are you sure you're not my preacher in disguise?” I burst out, but when I turned around to continue talking with him he was gone, disappearing completely out of my sight.
Who was this nice gentleman? Where did he come from and where did he go? Then seemingly out of the blue, a certain Scripture came to mind.
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
Well, Hallelujah, I'm on the right journey now, walking down that "straight and narrow" path! I just can't wait for next Sunday to tell my pastor all about my adventure.” I declared
But then strangest thing happened. As if by divine instruction, I suddenly seemed to awaken from a deep sleep, and found myself sitting in the pew of my church. And stranger still it was Sunday, and my pastor had just finishing a retake of his sermon as follows:
"Just remember God's instructions of walking by the Spirit, and not by the flesh.” (Galatians 5:19-23) Are you ready now to walk by the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh? Are you ready to give way to victory over the flesh and its works?” (Galatians 5:16) he concluded.
Then in prayer, the pastor asked for a show of hands of those who wanted to rededicate their lives to the Lord. I was the first to respond to his call of "walking by the Spirit and not the flesh.”
Yes, thanks to that kind gentleman, whomever he was. And oh yes, I am firmly convinced of his identity. I am now walking down that "straight and narrow" road to glory land. Amen!
My prayer, ""Lord, help let me take my eyes off my earthly circumstances by focusing on my final heavenly destination. (Philippians 3:12-14) Amen!
Please visit my web page http://ccrobey.wixsite.com/themessage
Author’s Postscript
This metaphor of the contrasting two roads depicts how hard it is to walk by the "Spirit" as opposed to walking by the "Flesh” especially in today's socialistic environment.
In (Matthew 7:13-14) Jesus uses a no-no, that being the word "Narrow.” This word definitely goes against the grain of today's society of pluralism, which promotes a diversity of religious views. Just don't label us "Narrow Minded,” we say. However, Scripture is firm, in that Jesus is the only true way to God, the Father. (John 14:6) (Acts 4:12)
As our introductory scripture points out, we Christians should not worry about being "PC", Politically Correct, by walking in the flesh. But we should always be "SC", Spiritually Correct, in walking by the Spirit.
As the two-road metaphor points out, one has to make that everlasting choice, regarding following Jesus. Jesus gives us an either/or choice regarding our eternal future. It's either Heaven or Hell. No middle ground here. Which shall it be for you, my friend?
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