Have you ever heard someone say, “That’s their way of life”? When we say something like that, we’re referring to their culture, which encapsulates their lifestyle, Think about the different ways of life for people groups. The Amish way of life is without modern conveniences. There are still shepherds in the Middle East who live a nomadic lifestyle roaming between countries. Some cultures elevate social harmony, whereas other celebrate an individualistic approach. When we talk about the culture of a group, we’re usually referring to a way of living that defines them. It’s no coincidence that in Acts 9, before followers of Jesus were called “Christians”, they were called “followers of The Way.” The Early Church didn’t just accept Jesus into their heart. Their entire lifestyle and way of living was changed when they did so much so that people recognized it.
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate because the wide gate and broad path is the way that leads to destruction—nearly everyone chooses that crowded road! The narrow gate and the difficult way leads to eternal life—so few even find it!” (TPT) Notice how there are two ways to live or choose from. Most people choose the broad way of living that goes along with the culture of the world. However, He started off by telling us to choose the narrow way that leads to life. He goes on to say that not everyone who says to Him “Lord, Lord” will enter Heaven. There will be those who took His name, but didn’t live the way He called us to. They never left the broad way and applied His teachings to their life. It’s a narrow way we must live that is often in contradiction to our culture.
Isaiah 35:8 says, “There will be a highway of holiness called the Sacred Way. The impure will not be permitted on this road, but it will be accessible to God’s people. And not even fools will lose their way.” When we accept Jesus, we’re invited to this highway of holiness. We put on the righteousness of Jesus that changes how we think and live from the inside out. For some, it’s an instantaneous change. For others, we go through a process of sanctification as we change. When the Holy Spirit enters our life,what was once acceptable to us on the broad way, will no longer be acceptable. How we live, how we think and how we talk begins to be noticeably different by others. This Sacred Way is what you and I are called to walk on throughout this life and to help others find it. Are you walking on the narrow way or the broad way?
Photo by Lili Popper on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 