I had a glorious ride with Ernie today. He was calm and collected. And quiet – which is unusual for him when we ride alone. It gave me a chance to relax and just listen to the birds singing, the wind softly rustling the leaves on the large oaks that canopied the dirt path along which we trod. Occasionally frogs would join in the chorus.

The narrow trail

For the most part, our route was precisely carved through the trees, vines and general greenery. It was a narrow path before us. When we did come to an open area on the trail, Ernie went on heighten alert. He became apprehensive. He became edgier as the expanse opened up. He started to fling his head from side to side and began to prance.

“What happened”?

He was so calm and collected. And almost instantly, the broad path before him upset his quiet demeanor.

Following God’s Path
How true this is for us as well. When we’re focused, relatively certain that we’re following the path God has set before us, we typically have peace and assurance. We aren’t distracted by the latest fad and passing temptations. We know that in God’s will is the safest place to be. And we’re content staying there.

Distracted by the Broad Path
There are times, however, that we get distracted by the allure of society. There are so many options – not all of them are right for us. We veer from our God-given path.

The wide-open trail has many distractions

In Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT), Jesus warns us, “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.”

On the broad path, there are many distractions and temptations. There are momentary pleasures and a multitude of friends. But in the end, the fun ends, the friends fade and life lacks meaning.

Which road will you choose – the one that brings lasting peace and contentment, or the one of momentary highs and superficiality?