‘Walk the line’. The internet says this means, to behave in an authorized or socially accepted manner, especially as prescribed by law or morality; to exercise self-control.

‘Walk the straight and narrow path’. Many people believe that this phrase comes from the Bible, describing the path to Heaven. But, it’s a bit of a misquote. Let’s read what the Good News Bible says;

 

“Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.” - Matthew 14:13-14

 

Perhaps, it’s not a highway to heaven but a narrow, difficult and lonely path. In reality, our life journey could be nothing more than a singular journey of discovery ending, who knows where? God knows!

 

Our life journey is one singular path that we each experience as we age, develop, have offspring, teach that offspring, then age further and die. Our life journey is one singular path experienced in our own minds, and not in the minds of others, at least not to it’s fullest extent.

 

Our life journeys come together when we congregate; in relationships, families, neighbourhoods and workplaces, in places of worship, centres for education, in our leisure activities and games, as we travel and shop, as we visit hospitals, doctors and dentists, and even when we celebrate. But still, our individual experiences during those times remain subjective.

 

So, maybe, the narrow path is the individual path that we all live, and the wider paths are the paths we take when we congregate. Perhaps we live our lives one way when we are alone, but another way when we live with a spouse and/or children, and yet another way when we congregate with many others.

 

After a while the varying paths become merged into a conglomeration of paths overlapping, intersecting, running parallel and perpendicular. Eventually the paths get packed down and organized and form something like a superhighway. Superhighways can be dangerous to humans, animals, the environment and our sanity.

 

Paths are for moving. Nobody goes on a path unless they wish to move from somewhere to somewhere. We are moved by our paths, both in the world and in our minds. How many paths are there in your mind?

 

You may have heard of single mindedness or scatterbrains. A single-minded person concentrates their thoughts and efforts towards accomplishing a single task or goal. Whereas, a scatterbrain person will remain unpredictable, to themselves and to others. Both ways are difficult paths.

 

It may become difficult to decide which path is right at any particular time in our lives. Do I follow my own path and decide what’s right for me alone, or should I do what’s right for my spouse and/or family, or should I do what everybody else in the world is doing? Should I do what feels right to me, even though everybody is telling me that I’m wrong? How do we prioritize which path is most important an any given time in our lives?

 

Maybe, we need directions.

 

Life can be much easier when we know where we are going. But, there are many paths that we travel without directions and without knowing where those paths will lead. Other paths have directions, but they’re too difficult or too far, so people might try to walk this path, but they get run over. Still other paths are clear and easy, but the destination isn’t what you thought it would be. Where are we to turn?

 

We must turn to someone whom we know, knows. It’s great to find someone who knows how to get where we’re going, especially if we know the person who knows.

 

With clear, trustworthy and specific directions, we can feel much better as we travel our paths.

 

Jesus is a great guy, once you get to know Him, plus, He’s been to heaven.

 

When you’re feeling lost, ask Jesus for directions. He’ll tell you where to go.