In my current work I do a lot of driving. I drive throughout twelve states, and in my travels I navigate several kinds of roads. I operate my truck on interstates, state highways, county roads, city streets, and even rural roads that many people would not consider roads at all. Often times, the congregations I travel to are on rural roads that are hilly, narrow, and filled with many, many curves.
When I drive on such a road, I cannot help but remember the words of Jesus about the narrow road that leads to life. He said in Matthew (7:13,14), “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
To me, the key in navigating the many narrow, curvy roads I travel is possessing patience. Being patient forces me to slow down and think very carefully about what I am doing. Being patient also gives me the opportunity to make needed adjustments in my driving which keeps me in a safe place in my driving. Most definitely, possessing patience helps me to make the decisions necessary to get safely to my destination.
Because the Christian life is about navigating the narrow road that is difficult to travel, patience is needed as well. Practicing patience, as it is with safe driving, forces us to slow down and think carefully about what we are doing. It also allows us the opportunity to make needed adjustments along the way so that we don’t crash in our faith. Truly, patience is needed so that we can reach our final destination of heaven.
Are you on the narrow road leading to life? If you are on that road, are you traveling with the patience necessary in order reach your final destination of heaven?
