Dear SCC & Friends,
…the way is narrow… ~Matthew 7:14
Reflection #172
Most of us like shortcuts. I once was painting a house and decided to go to the other ladder by stepping across so I wouldn’t have to go all the way down. I ended up in a comedic pose, doing the splits from 20 feet with paint cascading all over me. You’d think I’d learn… I still try to put things together without reading the directions or drive somewhere unsure of the address. Shortcuts can save us time and energy, but all too often get us nowhere faster. Eugene Peterson puts our cultural dilemma in everyday language in The Message… The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. ~Matt. 7:13-14 It’s counterintuitive, but it is the narrow path that leads to life and is the road less travelled. …the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. ~Matt. 7:14 ~Selah~
Jesus is the Good Sheperd and knows we stray… The narrow path keeps us from straying. It’s not a legalistic or formula-based process. Rather it’s following Him on a path endowed with integrity and intention in the Lord. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way… ~Isa. 53:6 It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance. It is His grace and love which brings us home. The narrow path has guardrails and riverbanks to help us stay the course. The old hymn, Come Thou Font of Every Blessing, calls us back… Prone to wander, Lord I feel it… Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it… Seal it for Thy courts above. …lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. ~Prov. 3:5-6 Long obedience in the same direction—one step at a time… one day at a time… Keep up the good work!
On His path,
Kevin