Everyone is following a way

Every one of us is following a way.

And it may seem like there are many different ways (Mormonism, Buddhism, Islam, positive thinking, just being good), but it really boils down to two ways: THE Way and every other way.

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

I don’t want to talk badly or be disrespectful about other belief systems… because we all have a right to believe what we want to believe. In fact, I think that we should defend a person’s right NOT to believe in Jesus if they choose not to.

I think it’s the wrong decision… but it is their choice. If you try to force a choice on someone then it isn’t really a choice.

And choosing to follow Jesus is based on what Jesus did for us in paying for our sins on the cross, and responding in repentance and surrender to what he did. These are things that must NOT be forced for them to be real.

But at the same time, our WAY has a big impact on our lives here… and in the hereafter.

 Our “way” determines our direction in life (becoming more like Christ or not)

• ·         Selfishness will lead to weak relationships that won’t last

• ·         Greed will lead to an unsettled heart

• ·         Lust will lead to diminishing returns – each exploit satisfies less and less

Our “way” determines how much opposition we will face

• ·         Following the crowd is easy, but following The Way is hard – it’s hard to be different

• ·         People do not like to be reminded that they are answerable to God – either through our words or our actions

• ·         When we choose Jesus the rest of the world will be against us because it was against Jesus

Our “way” demonstrates our loyalty

• ·         It’s like putting on a team jersey - changing sides over and over is wishy-washy

• ·         We have to choose sides

Our “way” determines our ultimate destiny

 Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”