While it may not be popular in modern society for an individual to define any particular lifestyle as right or wrong, the Bible makes no apology for pointing out that there is a right way and a wrong way to live; that there are good choices and bad choices.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13, 14
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12) There are many modern examples of this. People on the wrong road resulting in fatal accidents. Here is one - http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/09/megabus_crash_its_past_time_to.html. A google search brings up about 8 million, 320 thousand hits.
According to the Bible and even more specifically, according to the words of Christ Himself, all roads do not lead to the same destination. There is a right way and a wrong way to reach any place. No matter how sincere a person may be, traveling on the interstate in one direction away from their home will not take them home.
In this life there is set before every human being two ways--the broad road of self-indulgence and the narrow path of self-sacrifice and self-control. Into the broad road you can take all forms of selfishness, pride, love of the world; but those who walk in the narrow way must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset. Which road have you chosen--the road which leads to everlasting death, or the road which leads to glory and immortality ? In the Bible, God promises eternal life to those who are seeking and walking on the road which leads to these things. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life...(Romans 2:7)
There never was a more solemn time in the history of the world than the time in which we are now living. Our eternal interests are at stake, and we should arouse to the importance of making our calling and election sure. We dare not risk our eternal interests on mere probabilities. We must be in earnest. What we are, what we are doing, what is to be our course of action in the future, are all questions of untold moment, and we cannot afford to be listless, indifferent, unconcerned. It becomes each one of us to inquire, "What is eternity to me ?" Is my feet in the path that leads to heaven, or in the broad road that leads to perdition ?
When it comes to eternal life, church membership does not guarantee it and sincerity alone cannot claim entitlement to it. It is our own daily course of action that reveals our characters and determines our destiny. True faith and genuine Christianity is not merely professed but demonstrated in consistent Christ-like expressions of love.
Those who make a success of the Christian life will count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Only those who are abiding in Christ can know what true life is. They realize the value of true religion. They have brought their talents of influence and means and ability to the altar of consecration, seeking only to know and do the will of Him who has died to redeem them. They know that the path they must travel is strait and narrow, and that they will have to meet many obstacles and temptations, as they resist the enticements of the broader road that leads to ruin; but they will discern the footsteps of Jesus, and press onward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in their Lord and Saviour. They will choose the royal way that leads to heaven. Is this the way you are traveling ? Take heed and get on board now while there is still time. Ask God for strength to live triumphantly in Christ today if you are a Christian and ask God to give you new motives, new desires and new purposes if you are a not a Christian or a backsliding one. He is able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto Him. That means all of us down here who must choose which road we will travel in this life.
© 2011 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
