First Church of God - Little Paint

In his book, “The Christian Atheist,” Craig Groeschel relates the story of Charles Blondin, a tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls many times using various props.  Once he crossed on stilts, another time in a sack, and yet again pushing a wheelbarrow.  Seeing the wheelbarrow feat, one onlooker shouted, “You could cross with a man in that wheelbarrow!”  Blondin agreed and invited the man to climb in. The man nervously declined.

This is a perfect illustration of how many “Christians” approach their relationship with God.  They believe in God but not enough to trust Him with their whole life in his wheelbarrow.  “God, I believe you can do anything, just as long as nothing is demanded of me.”

Jesus gives us some very strong words in Matthew 7:13-14 about the way that leads to eternal life.  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.

I fear many “Christians” today believe themselves to be on the narrow way when in fact they have settled for a watered-down faith which is easily followed by them and non-threatening to the world around them.  The broad road is filled with many ideas that lead to heaven--no personal sacrifice or struggle and no conflict with worldly values.  Jesus said the road that leads to eternal life has to be sought out because it is not easily found amid the worldly highways and detours.  The narrow road is a path for individuals seeking after God only.  Narrow road travelers have left temporary worldly values and concerns to seek the eternal heavenly prize.  Paul said it well in Philippians 3:8, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things, I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ.”  The narrow road is a road of sacrifice, servanthood, discipline, and selflessness.  Those traveling the narrow road realize it is not about their will but God’s will.

Check your spiritual map.  Which road are you traveling?

Come see us Sunday.  We will talk about that…

Pastor Jeff