STAY IN THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW WAY

Read: Mathew 7:13-14

Meditation verse:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”
(Proverbs 14:12)

I got into a traffic jam, whilst returning from work a few days ago. The gridlock was so bad that we remained on the same spot for a while. And then several cars began to take a diversion to drive on the lane meant for those coming from the opposite direction, because it was clear and free of cars. For a while, they sped by, whilst those of us who remained on the right lane appeared foolish. Suddenly, our lane opened as if there was no gridlock in the first place. As I drove by, I observed that those who took the wrong lane had gotten stuck in an even worse gridlock, because they had come face to face with those coming from the opposite direction. And there seemed no way out of the jam. As I pondered on this incident a short while later, I was reminded of the scripture that says, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”.

We are living in extremely difficult times. Economic downturns and rising costs of living have led to all kinds of corruption and evil. The temptation to take the short cut is high. Evil seems to be thriving on all sides. Mathew 7:13 also warns, “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”. It was tough to watch those cars drive past us. I also had no way of knowing they would get stuck ahead, but I was determined not to join them to take the wrong lane.

What about you? Sooner or later, you may find yourself in an extremely challenging situation. The question is “how would you respond”? Will succumb to the temptation to cut corners or will you stay on the straight and narrow lane, even if you are the only one standing there? “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Mathew 7:14). May God’s grace be sufficient for you to remain on the right lane. “The end of thing is better than its beginning. The patient is spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.