Keep Walkin’

I washed my car today.

Well, “I” didn’t wash it… but rather took it through an automated car wash that cleaned it for me while I sat in the car checking email.  The car wash I took it to, however, is my least favorite one in town.

Why?

Because as you drive into the wash, you have to carefully navigate your tires into this narrow metal gate to help position your car.  Once in the middle of it, the flashing light inside the wash tells you to “stop” as your car is perfectly situated.  I’m not aware of the “official” name of this narrow metal gate, so hope I’m making sense.  Anyone?  Anyone?  Bueller?  😉

Here’s is the problem.

While I am a good driver… I have the hardest time getting my left tire into that small gate.  I do all the right things to maneuver it correctly (I think), but still end up either rubbing my tires on the sides or driving over the metal bars.  It’s both embarrassing and frustrating.

If the bars were farther apart, I’d have a better chance of driving right into it.  But unfortunately, they are only designed to accommodate the width of your tire… so the pathway into that gate is narrow.

Jesus teaches this same principle about the way to Heaven.

He says, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate.  The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

This scripture isn’t saying that it’s difficult to become a Christian and spend eternity with God.  Instead, while the world tells us there are many ways to be with God… this verse is reminding us there is really ONLY ONE way to get to Heaven.

Just to clear up any confusion… I want to make sure you know, that you know, that you know… that the ONLY way to Heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ.  That.  Is.  It.  Period.  Our salvation is not earned. (2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9)

Because He died on the cross for our sins, we are made right before God.  Because Jesus’ blood covers us, we are acceptable in the eyes of God.

It’s all about Jesus.

Once you decide to follow Jesus, that narrow road you walk in obedience will be hard… because it’s unpopular.

• People will question you’re motives.
• Some will doubt your authenticity.
• Others might decide to end a relationship.

Keep walkin’...

• Some might not understand the changes they see in you.
• Some won’t accept them.
• Expect others to feel hurt or abandoned because of it.

Keep walkin’…

This isn’t giving you permission to blow off everyone that questions your decision to accept Christ or follow the path He has chosen for you, we’re clearly told to “love” others.  But don’t allow opposition to halt your walk.

Love ’em!  But keep walkin’.

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