Avoid the lines
By Erik Farstad
"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
As you're rushing through life, have you ever stopped to think where
you're actually going? Is there a difference if you stand in this line
or that line? Sure there is. There are two roads to choose, two gates
to enter into. You must choose one of them! Here are your choices.
The first road is wide and holds many people just hustling about. In
the distance you see this amazing site. Your eyes transfix on this
beautiful wide gate that shines and literally draws you in closer. You
look at the crowd headed for this gate and they're, well, there's a mix
a different people. Some are laughing almost in a drunken stupor,
others are angrily lashing out at people in rage and hatred, while still
others are walking slowly with their heads hung long as if beaten and
broken. Yet still they march onward towards this mystical gateway.
There is what appears to be a lavishly dressed man near the gate calling
everyone to come, offering them anything and everything the world has to
offer. You watch as this man lures many with his hypnotizing light and
promises of happiness and wealth. Then you watch as he throws people
through the gate. The line into this wide gate continues to grow. Many
choose this road because that is where the masses are going, where the
gate is widest. You ask someone in line where they're going, but they
can't tell you.
The other road is rather narrow, more of a path than a road. It is wide
enough for just one person at a time. You look and see only a few
coming down that path, their faces aglow with joy. At the end of this
path you also see a gate, a very small opening that only allows for one
person to enter at a time. The gate itself does not shine, but rather
what lies beyond does. You look back and notice the wide gate, though
the exterior shines what lies beyond is dark and endless. At the end of
the narrow road you also see a man, but this one is welcoming each
traveler that comes down the path. He helps them one by one through the
small gated entrance. You notice he is dressed rather meekly in simple
rob and cloth, yet still appears to radiate a brightness much different
than the man at the wide gate. This man gives off the light of warmth,
of closeness, like a fathers touch. As he greets each person with a
hug, you notice his hands are scar ridden and torn yet still hold the
strength of a king. You hear him calling out people's names as they
walk down the path. It is then that you figure out why this path is so
narrow and the gate so small. This man wants to greet people
personally, those that have chosen to stand alone, those that have
walked the road that was not popular, the road that lead to him. One at
a time, this man lovenly accepts and invites those journeying on his
narrow road. You watch what appears to be a family reunion before your
very eyes. The line entering this gate is not long, not wide, but it is
inexpressibly the most amazing thing you've ever seen.
Now that you have seen the two roads that lead into the two gates, you
must choose. The first has a long line and leads to a very lonely dark
place. The other leads to a bright and sunny place, has personal
service, not to mention has a much shorter line.
I say avoid the lines!
In Him, "E"