No Two Ways
The Internet is also known as the World Wide Web (WWW). It is indeed so wide and infinite. It is a global system of interconnected computers, using a standardized internet protocol suite for communications and sharing of information. Internet is inundated with so many articles on Jesus’ claim that He is the only way to God, His Father. Some articles are informative and useful that will lead someone to Christ for salvation. Others are destructively damaging and derogatory in nature with regards to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We should respect each other’s views on religion, personal belief with regards to faith and choices. But yet stay committed to the truths that are in the Holy Bible. We should not cower under the pretense of maintaining racial and social harmony when confronted: our faith in Jesus being the only way. Personally, I do not believe in pluralism. Neither am I a bigot or fundamentalist. If there are people who believe that the earth is flat, despite all the evidence of science and scripture, so be it. I am fine. I do not seek redress as it is their personal choice or belief. Ultimately, it is their prerogative that will decide their fate.
There can never be two ways to God. So, I do not embrace or subscribe to other religious belief as truth as only God’s words are truth. In short, we are not to compromise on our belief that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Although I may sound controversial here, I am really not advocating hatred, intolerance or religious rivalry. I am for the freedom of choice of one’s to embrace whatever the person chooses to believe. I will maintain my firm commitment in Christ with non-violence, non-antagonistic and non-belligerent approach. In the early day of Christianity, many staunch believers like Stephen chose a martyr death rather than retaliation with violence.
After all, God does not enforce His way, His will or even the salvation through Jesus Christ on anyone. He has given each one of us a free will to do what is suitable for us stated in Joshua 24: 15. If He wanted, there would not be a tree of knowledge of good and evil along with the other trees in the Garden of Eden. So, with freedom comes the responsibility of oneself to choose carefully their destiny. Where do we want to spend eternity with; in heaven or hell? Choose discreetly because eternity does matter!
Our Lord Jesus did mention in the closing of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7, that there are in reality two different ways; one is broad and the other, narrow. One is right and one is wrong. One will lead us to God and the other ends in destruction. But many will still choose the broad way which is filled with many distractions of this sinful corrupted world in its fallen state. We, humankind, can be easily ensnared by its many distractions. Distractions can come in the form of people, things, places, desire, thoughts, circumstances & etc. The aforementioned distractions can be classified into what the bible described as Lust of the flesh, the Lust of the Eyes and the ugly Pride of Life. We are to shun the loud voices and noises of these earthly distractions, so as not to follow the masses toward the broad and wide way. The end of which is destruction. Rather, walk along the narrow and difficult way that is through Christ who is the Way that leads to eternal life with God. Sadly, very few will walk this straight and narrow way as stated in the scripture. Ultimately, it is the freedom of one’s will at play. It is our freedom of choices and decisions that will determine our eternity with God or the infamous one that rebelled against God. The book of Proverbs 4: 26-27, urges us to “Ponder the path of our feet, and let all our ways be established. Turn neither to the right hand nor to the left: remove our feet from evil.” Stay focused and choose wisely!
Often times, distractions can be disguised like the old serpent in the Garden of Eden. It can present itself as mild and harmless like in the scene of Mary and Martha. One of the sisters, Mary, rather busies herself with the household chore than be like Martha who chose to be soaked in the moment with Jesus. Mary was not wrong; someone needed to do the preparations for the meals for such a distinguished guest in their home. The two sisters made their choice, one want to be filled with God’s presence, while the other wanted to be overwhelmed with daily chores. Who is the wisest among the two?
Likewise, our sojourn in this mortal world will be ladened with similar trials of life. Some trials or temptations can be disguised as important errands in the name of love for family or God. But in reality, they are mere distractions that will puncture our tyres and ground us into stagnation in our spiritual walk with Christ. The old adversary, imitator of Christ, roams around and roars like a lion, hoping we can shift our focus away from God for a moment. When we do, victory is assured for him.
In closing, with so many distractions, allurements, confusion to bewitch or beguile us in our decision-making. Let us stay focus and keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Emulate Moses who endured the disgrace and ignominy with his choice to serve the Almighty God. Moses looked ahead to the heavenly reward, far exceeded the treasures of Egypt that awaited him. It was his choice to be the deliverer of his people. There cannot be two ways when making choices in life. We have this liberty of God-given free will to carefully choose our destiny in eternity. Do not let this liberty, our free will to cause us to miss the Gift of Salvation that is given freely through our Lord Jesus Christ.