The Road Less Traveled

Whenever we see someone traveling down a rough road we think that they must be going in the wrong direction or just down on their luck. Mankind is always seeking the easiest and most productive path to travel in all things. Perhaps that is the reason why so many play the lotto or gamble in Las Vegas. They too are seeking for instant success with the least amount of work. However, when it comes to our salvation the road which we have to abide is a road less traveled because it is not easy to follow. Thus is the road which leads to life eternal.

The Strait and Narrow Path

Jesus in his sermon on the mount preached that, “…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 The road which leads to eternal life is a difficult road that few are even willing to try. The world wants it cake and eat it too. They want both this world and the world to come, and with God it just doesn’t work that way. What is worse is that most believe that if they are a Christian and do good works that God will bless them. Surely he will bless them with all SPIRITUAL blessing in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, but not with the worldliness which surrounds us. Eph 1:3

Take note of what the apostle Paul said, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Tim 3:12 Such a hard saying to accept for most. There is no exception to what Paul wrote by the inspiration of God. There are two criterias which Paul stated would cause one to suffer persecution. One, they must be a Christian, and secondly they must be living godly. So, if you are a Christian, but are not living a godly life, you won’t suffer persecution. Also, if you are a sinner and even if you are living a good and moral life, you too won’t suffer persecution. This is why the denominational world can’t accept what Paul wrote.

Not only did Paul write the hardships of being a Christian, (2 Tim 2:3) but Peter as well. Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Pet 4:12-14 “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Pet 4:16-17

The most shocking part of what Peter wrote about suffering is that it is not because we have done evil, but rather because we have done that which is right which causes these sufferings. Note what Peter said, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” 1 Pet 2:20-24 Jesus said it plainly that the servant is not above his Master, but it is enough for us to be as our Master. Mt 10:24,25 If Jesus was persecuted, so will we be persecuted. It happened to the prophets and fathers of old, and it happened to the apostles of the new. If it happened to all these righteous saints, it will happen to us when we abide by the gospel and doctrine of Christ.

Anyone who refuses to suffer for the cause of Christ can’t be a Christian. It is noteworthy to say that many sinful and wicked people think because they suffer here on earth that this makes them a Christian. Many will suffer as murders, thieves, evil doers or gossipers, etc, but this is only because they have done evil in the sight of God and man. 1 Pet 4:15 How many are sick today because they smoke, drink alcohol or are promiscuous, and they suffer their consequence. The saints of God have done nothing worthy of the evils which come upon them except that they have obeyed the gospel and lived a godly life. Paul said that it was self evident that if he preached that  the law of Moses was still in effect that the curse of the cross should have stopped. Yet, the curse upon Paul remained, which meant he preached no such thing. Gal 5:11 Even so, when we preach and teach the Word of truth and we are persecuted for it, then we know we abide in God’s Word. However, when we preach and teach the Word of God and we are not persecuted, but are rewarded by this world’s riches, receive health beyond measure, and are not slandered and mocked, then shall we know that we are preachers of false doctrines.

Conclusion: Let all who seek to follow God get on the strait and narrow road which leads to life everlasting. It is difficult and it is long, but the reward which comes at the end of it will make one leap for joy with happiness beyond measure. As Jesus said, “Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Lk 6:22-23