Happy Sabbath!  I hope that you all had a great week.  

The Broad Way:

In Satan's world, the broad and easy path is the one that leads to destruction; Matthew 7 speaks to this thought:

Matthew 7:13 NKJV  "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

The inference here is that it is a widely traveled way, with wide, easy to navigate roads that lead to destruction.  It does not take much effort to head down that path.  Part of the problem with the path that leads to destruction, is that most are not willingly looking for destruction.  Proverbs 14 tells us that those who follow the wide path think they are headed in the right direction:

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

The danger is leaning on our own understanding, or the understanding and beliefs of others.  We must remember that just because something seems right, that doesn't mean it is.  We cannot just decide to follow a path without first researching and seeking out the best path with the best possible outcome. Along with the fact that thinking something is right does not make it so, is also the thought that just because something is popular also does not make it right. There can be strength in numbers, and there can be a collective lack of foresight.

Why do so many follow the broad way without really investigating as to whether or not it is the best path?  Because our natural tendency is to seek the smooth and easy things.  For some things, this is ok, but most things of importance takes effort.  This is especially true when talking about our relationship with God:

Isaiah 30:9-10 NKJV  That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the LORD;  (10)  Who say to the seers, "Do not see," And to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.

God's own people did not want to hear the truth.  We need to be grounded in truth, so that no one, no matter what their title or position is could lead us astray.

Next week: The Narrow Gate.

~Ron Barker