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“Enter ye in at the straight gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” --Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV) 

Robert Frost once wrote, “I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and has made all the difference”.  

I look at this and I think about life. I think about eternity and the expectations that God has made evident for a holy life on earth in preparation for eternity with Him. I think about our forefathers who established this country and the freedoms that we share. I think about War Veterans and what they must have been thinking as they walked a path to known destruction and death in an attempt to defend our freedoms and the choices they made to continue on that narrow path. I think of the Firefighters (343 never forget),  Medics, Officers of the Law, Doctors, Nurses and all those people who have given the ultimate sacrifice during times of disaster and terrorism and the narrow path they chose to walk toward eminent demise to simply try to help a fellow man, woman, or child. I think about decisions that I have made in my past that were the high road that led to some sobering times in my life that cost me so much. I think about God's grace, mercy and forgiving nature. I think about where I am now versus where I was then, and where I should be!  I think now about my thought processes versus the way I thought then when I lived for the world and how much different my perspective is on taking the narrow road so that my daughter can see the difference, and so that I can teach her not to take that high road. I think about the way that all of my decisions are based around the well-being of my wife, daughter and family and God’s will for our lives.

I can assure you there are times that the narrow way is hard, but it is so rewarding when you get to the destination. The peace you have from a job well done, or the peace you have in your heart that you did the right thing can never be overshadowed by days filled with worldly actions. Most people you come into contact with will try to persuade you to take that wide gate and broad way. It’s the easy way, the fun way, the rebellious way or maybe the most interesting way in their eyes. Little do they know, they are leading themselves, and you, into a life of destruction.

I pray that each of us takes a moment to think about the thoughts, character, bravery, and audacity that it took for each of the scenarios I mentioned above to take place. For these people to follow the narrow way, which led to peace in their hearts, knowing that they did the right thing for their fellow man and for themselves. Think about the decisions you make for your family and for yourself and how it will affect life ahead. It will make all the difference. God Bless!

Today's devotion was written by Loyd Johnson who helps head up the College and Career ministry at our church. Loyd is also the former chief of Bannertown Fire Department and former dispatcher at Surry E911.