Soldier's Orders: Narrow Paths

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. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

In His role as Earth’s ONLY perfect Man, Jesus walked a high, hard, and narrow path. He rose on a high, hard, and narrow Cross.

His orders to us? 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me' (Luke 9:23).

Did He intend His future disciples to give up safety and prosperity? That’s debatable. But Jesus DID intend revelation!

Contrary to popular opinion… safety and prosperity aren't found in religion, positions, or possessions. They're found in Christ because “fluff” blows away.

As a “fluffy” flock in America, do we follow a new style of leader? Like prime-time pastors who travel in style on the pay-to-play lane called abundance?

Instead of walking simple, narrow paths, do we ride in fine cars to luxe locales? Like an updated kind of Pharisee, showing off in church, living the “high life?”

If so, how are we following Jesus? His high-life “highlight” was a wooden Cross.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Praise God if your path hasn’t been easy! Praise God if you face tough situations.

  • Praise God for every obstacle you meet.

  • Praise God if naysayers speak against you.

  • Praise God if He’s pruned off your bad branches.

  • Praise God if He’s rubbing you hard to shine.

  • Praise God if you’ve learned how to sacrifice.

  • Because narrow, high, and hard paths are GOOD!.

This journey takes you to a wondrous place. It’s right behind Jesus in your lifestyle… and it’s right in front of His great return.

So be like different John the Baptist: Be 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight' ' (Mark 1:3). Be His unusual opening act.

Because the captain of confusion has misled outsiders and insiders. Your own prime-time role is to lead them BOTH! If you're closely following Jesus, and they're (curiously) following you, the Truth will be found.

Soldier's Orders: Narrow Paths (Part 29)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Jesus Counsels the Rich, Young Ruler: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A16-22&version=NKJV

Carey Arban