Do we all instinctively seek the easy path? Are we searching for the minimum amount of ‘discomfort’ (not always defined… or known)? Do we invariably look, first, for paths that are smooth, straight, simple, not strewn with those aspects that demand a reasoned (sometimes defined as ‘painful’ – undefined) response? I think the answer is a resounding – YES!
Besides, why would anyone purposely choose a path that would require endurance, commitment… the opposite path? Isn’t that counter intuitive (by definition)? Yet, isn’t this precisely what Jesus did? And not in the heat of the moment – He knew and lived with this since the beginning of time. He knew that mankind’s ONLY hope lay in His willingness to accept the path to the cross? Did He complain, or try to deflect His role, or any behavior that would mitigate? His response to God was … not my will but Yours (Luke 22:42).
Is there anything inherently ‘wrong’ with seeking an easier path? No. What is necessary though is for you to look at your motivation, it comes down to your ‘why’ of choosing the easier approach. If it is an avoidance of difficult and ‘testing’ times – not a good choice. Learning isn’t always an easy choice but in my world, it’s the only choice that leads us effectively. John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome
the world.”
(Read the whole chapter to understand the ‘things’ mentioned.) My point is that tribulation is a fact of a fallen world. Our assurance is that in Him, Jesus, we can have peace because of His act in overcoming the world. Through Him (read all of Ephesians and put your name when it says – in Him, in Whom) we do have the ability to overcome our struggles. When we apply our learning that we understand, we act as witnesses to those watching us about the great power found in following His way.
Any act that is involved with compromising Who the Lord is, what He did, Who He is today is never correct or acceptable. We weren’t asked to provide an easy or comfortable answer, but to speak the truth – to act on what we know. Rarely is that the easy path. Why? Because this IS a fallen world we live in and we are His witnesses that His path leads to abundant living… even in this world. But we have a far greater destiny awaiting us. Take the path the Lord is leading you on. It truly is worth the effort. Peace is all that it’s cracked up to be.
