SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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. [Matthew 7:13-14] According to Jesus, there are two paths that we can follow, the easy one and the hard one. The easy one (that most people follow) is the deadly one, while the hard one (that fewer people choose) is the path to life. I hear Solomon saying the same thing. The path to life, blessing and success is the path of wisdom, which is God’s path: loving God first, and loving people!
If we choose to put God first, to live as He created us to live (the wise life), then He will make our paths straight – narrow, but straight. Like a train, the tracks may be narrow and constricting, but its the ONLY way the train can arrive at its destination.
There are a number of proverbs that stand out for me, that deserve more attention.
— Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [Proverbs 3:5-6]
— Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. [Proverbs 3:9-10]
— Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”– when you now have it with you. [Proverbs 3:27-28]
When I read these words, my spirit says ‘yes’, but my body or will or mind resists it, too hard in practice. All kinds of reasons come up, hesitations or fears or doubts. It goes against my sinful, selfish nature. Which is why Jesus calls it narrow, and why so few people actually choose it. But both Jesus and Solomon are warning us, ‘do the right thing, go the right way, even when it is hard, and God will work things out for good!
PRAYER:
Lord, in the abstract, these words ring true. But in the day to day decisions or challenges I face, its so much harder. Please strengthen me with Your Spirit that I may choose the narrow, the right path.