Avoid the lines


By Erik Farstad



"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13,14

As you're rushing through life, have you ever stopped to think where you're actually going? Is there a difference if you stand in this line or that line? Sure there is. There are two roads to choose, two gates to enter into. You must choose one of them! Here are your choices.

The first road is wide and holds many people just hustling about. In the distance you see this amazing site. Your eyes transfix on this beautiful wide gate that shines and literally draws you in closer. You look at the crowd headed for this gate and they're, well, there's a mix a different people. Some are laughing almost in a drunken stupor, others are angrily lashing out at people in rage and hatred, while still others are walking slowly with their heads hung long as if beaten and broken. Yet still they march onward towards this mystical gateway. There is what appears to be a lavishly dressed man near the gate calling everyone to come, offering them anything and everything the world has to offer. You watch as this man lures many with his hypnotizing light and promises of happiness and wealth. Then you watch as he throws people through the gate. The line into this wide gate continues to grow. Many choose this road because that is where the masses are going, where the gate is widest. You ask someone in line where they're going, but they can't tell you.

The other road is rather narrow, more of a path than a road. It is wide enough for just one person at a time. You look and see only a few coming down that path, their faces aglow with joy. At the end of this path you also see a gate, a very small opening that only allows for one person to enter at a time. The gate itself does not shine, but rather what lies beyond does. You look back and notice the wide gate, though the exterior shines what lies beyond is dark and endless. At the end of the narrow road you also see a man, but this one is welcoming each traveler that comes down the path. He helps them one by one through the small gated entrance. You notice he is dressed rather meekly in simple rob and cloth, yet still appears to radiate a brightness much different than the man at the wide gate. This man gives off the light of warmth, of closeness, like a fathers touch. As he greets each person with a hug, you notice his hands are scar ridden and torn yet still hold the strength of a king. You hear him calling out people's names as they walk down the path. It is then that you figure out why this path is so narrow and the gate so small. This man wants to greet people personally, those that have chosen to stand alone, those that have walked the road that was not popular, the road that lead to him. One at a time, this man lovenly accepts and invites those journeying on his narrow road. You watch what appears to be a family reunion before your very eyes. The line entering this gate is not long, not wide, but it is inexpressibly the most amazing thing you've ever seen.

Now that you have seen the two roads that lead into the two gates, you must choose. The first has a long line and leads to a very lonely dark place. The other leads to a bright and sunny place, has personal service, not to mention has a much shorter line.

I say avoid the lines!

In Him, "E"