Pay Attention to Those Signs

“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

A few years ago, I was driving from Cincinnati to Louisville. The highway between Cincinnati and Louisville is called I-71. It’s a straight shot, and the trip takes about an hour. I had the radio turned up, it was a beautiful day and I was enjoying the drive. After about an hour, I knew I was getting close to Louisville, but then I saw a sign that said, “Welcome to Lexington.”

I had made the mistake that others had told me about. Right outside Cincinnati is a place where, if you’re not really careful, you can easily miss where I-71 toward Louisville splits off from I-75 toward Lexington. For close to an hour I was completely convinced I was on I-71, but all the while I was on I-75. It never occurred to me that I might be going the wrong way. With the radio blaring, I was singing along to the music, completely oblivious. I never allowed for the possibility that I was on the wrong road.
Jesus noted a similar problem regarding two roads in life. One is easily traveled by many people. The other is easily missed –only a few will find it. But many of those on the crowded highway still think they’re moving in the right direction. “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” (Matthew 7:22-23).
Those are sobering words. They were busy doing the right things, but their accomplishments didn’t make them true followers. They never knew Jesus, and he didn’t know them. Fortunately for you and me, there’s still time to regain our bearings.

Following Today
Some questions for your journey: Does your life reflect what you say you believe? Do you think you’re on the right road because of what you’ve done? Do you know Jesus, and does he know you? I don’t expect you to have quick, ready answers to these questions. But it would do you some good to “pull over” and meditate on them today.