We’d been on the trail many times before and I assumed my friend knew the way back to the car. But as we approached the final fork in the road, I realized I was wrong. Veering left on the wide trail that looked like the obvious choice, she looked at me quizzically as I pointed her in the other direction. The narrow path to our right looked less worn and more treacherous, but I knew it was the fastest way back to the car. She laughed at her poor sense of direction and turned to join me.
The timing seemed uncanny. All summer I’d been anticipating sending my son to college and we’d had many conversations about the choices that he’d face once he got there. My husband and I had been encouraging him to “pre-decide” what he’d do in potentially compromising or awkward situations. We wanted him to know which path he’d choose when he came to a fork in the road of life choices. The term “pre-decide,” originally coined by author and Bible teacher Lysa TerKeurst, echoes Jesus’ sentiments in Matthew 7:13-14:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Often the ways of the world are like that wide path my friend was heading down without thinking—the route seems obvious, easy and comfortable. The wide road leads in the direction most people seem to be going; it’s the path of least resistance. If we don’t “pre-decide,” it’s the way we’ll end up taking by default.
The narrow path, on the other hand, isn’t the obvious choice, but it’s the best one. Sometimes we’ll find ourselves walking alone as others abandon us for less challenging journeys. But if we’re wise, we’ll heed Jesus’ advice to avoid the destruction that awaits us at the end of the wide and easy road.
I’ve spent most of my adult life choosing the narrow path. Sometimes others have joined me or cheered me on, other times they’ve mocked me or distanced themselves from me. But I’ve never regretted choosing it, whether it’s been popular with others or not. And along the way, I’ve been deeply blessed by those who have joined me on it.
Maybe you’re wondering what it looks like to choose the narrow path in daily life. If so, I hope one of these examples brings clarity:
We choose the narrow path when we care more about honoring God than we do about fitting in with others.
We choose the narrow path when we make the hard choice to do the right thing, even when it puts us at a disadvantage.
We choose the narrow path when we say “yes” to an opportunity that’s going to stretch and challenge us beyond our comfort zone.
We choose the narrow path when we refuse to allow someone to convince us that a sin is “harmless” or “no big deal.”
We choose the narrow path when doing things God’s way costs us more time or money or when it inconveniences us in some way.
We choose the narrow path when we opt to spend time alone rather than being with people who are going to pressure us to compromise our faith, values, or morals.
We choose the narrow path when we stand up for what’s right even when no one else seems to care or notice.
We choose the narrow path when we give without expecting anything in return.
We choose the narrow path when we favor humility over self-glorification.
We choose the narrow path when we forgive instead of seeking revenge or nursing a grudge.
We choose the narrow path when we care more about blessing others than creating comfort for ourselves.
The narrow path may feel daunting at times, but Jesus promises it’s always the way to life. I’d rather trust the One who died for me than take the easy way following the crowd.
“Hard Love” by NeedtoBreathe is a great song to motivate you as you walk the narrow road. Click on the link and let it inspire you.