The Straight And Narrow

Matthew 7:14 – But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. (NLT)

A recent trip out of town this winter found us travelling a country road on a beautiful sunny day. The road itself was unpaved, muddy, and full of potholes. But what caught my eye on this day were the snowbanks that flanked each side of the roadway. On one side, the snow was white and clean; on the other side, the banks were brown and grimy. My first thought was of how this could be, and I am still not totally sure of the answer. Perhaps the sun was shining on the one side of the road, melting the snow more quickly, and revealing the dirt and grime from the road.

One thought that did resonate with me was how close the dirt of the world is around us and under our feet, and how easy it is to get into it. How easily we can move from the clean, holy side into the dirt and sin of the world. Yet just as easily, we can go over to the side of hope and redemption. We are all on a road, a journey — one that is filled with choices between potholes and dirt, and forgiveness and redemption.

If only it were as easy to recognize sin as it is to recognize dirt. Just like fresh snow had previously hidden the dirt and grime, usually sin presents itself as attractive and pleasurable. It's deceptive — appearing clean and pure — but underneath it is dirty.

Psalm 119:35 – Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to show others the way on this journey. Thank You for the price You paid on the cross for our freedom. We are sorry for the times we get into the dirt and grime. Thank You that You are always near us on the same path — we need only to move in Your direction to receive all that You have for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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