Called to Walk a Different Path

I remember with fondness a state park I visited frequently in my youth. Turkey Run State Park was carved out of a piece of virgin timber in rural Parke County Indiana. The natural limestone creek beds and various trails provided for wonderful hiking opportunities. The trails were well marked but once in a while I found myself carving my own path through the woods.

The world has marked out a trail for us in life and encourages us to follow it. Fame, fortune, pleasure, and personal fulfillment are just some of the trail markers on this broad road. However Jesus has called His followers to get off the broad path and follow the narrow road with Him. I have discovered that life on the narrow road is an exhilarating challenge and a wonderful adventure.

Paul describes our walk on this different path in the book of Ephesians. First of all we are called to walk worthy (Eph. 4:1). We are to endeavor to match our daily conduct with our elevated position in Christ. This walk shows a watching world that we indeed are Christ followers. We are also called to walk in love (Eph. 5:2). Just as Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us we are called to reject the paths of bitterness, hatred, and unforgiveness. The narrow path calls us to walk in love toward others. Our path also calls us to walk in light (Eph. 5:8). The broad way is darkness. We used to walk that road with its sinful twists and turns, its dark alleys and shameful behavior. But the light of Christ and His Word illuminates our new path. Finally we are called to walk in wisdom (Eph. 5:15). Only a fool lives his life haphazardly leaving his directions to chance or whichever way the wind is blowing. Christ followers on the narrow road seek the Lord for His direction and help.

Are you walking the broad road to destruction and separation from God? Why not listen to Christ’s call to walk a different path. It may be narrow and it may be difficult but it ends in eternal life.