TRAVELED

My favorite quote of all time found outside the Bible comes from Robert Frost, who said: "I took the road less traveled by, and it has made all the difference."

Is this not our basic calling as believers - taking the road less traveled?

The life with Christ calls us to exercise conscious choices to delay gratification; it calls us to sacrifice some present comfort for future reward.  

Denying yourself isn't a popular message in today's America.  Our society would encourage us: "If you want it, get it; If you have the money, buy it; If you feel it, do it; If you need it, take it."

Contrast that with the words of Jesus: "Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel's will save it ... Whoever would come after Me must deny himself, take up a cross daily and follow Me."  A true cross, given or allowed by Christ is not a punishment but an opportunity for growth. 

"If you want it, get it; If you have the money, buy it; If you feel it, do it; If you need it, take it." 

Jesus says "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.  But narrow is the gate and hard is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).  

But He also says: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). 

Yes sir, you CAN have it both ways.

And be blessed.