The Road Seldom Traveled

I know that I am not alone in my concern for the Church of Christ, its people and its purpose.
It seems to me that the world is making inroads into the Body of Christ at break neck speed, as of late. I could describe what’s been going on, but there is no need. Even those who agree with the changes will have to admit that Christian norms are being challenged on a daily basis.
 
I’m not talking about the hot button topics of human sexuality and the like exclusively either.
I am talking about the popular notion that the truths of God are no longer concrete, but
rather fluid and changing. The idea that to speak of morality and following “The Way” is passé. I am speaking of the fact that in many minds social justice trumps the Holy Scriptures.
 
I am not a militant by any means, but I am concerned that many within the Body are constructing their theologies upon a shifting foundation. The societal pendulum swings
to and fro continually and to attach any permanence to it seems questionable at a minimum.
 
I fear that the attempt to demonstrate the love of Christ, no matter the circumstance, by declaring that “all is well, Christ will forgive,” or the more concerning parsing of God’s word to suit the situation at hand, is testing the forbearance of our Creator. Yes, of course, Christ will forgive, provided we accept His definition of right and wrong and then confess, and repent of the wrong doing. I love the verse from the book of Job.
 
Job 22:21
 
21 "Stop quarreling with God! If you agree with him, you will have peace at last,
and things will go well for you.
NLT
 
To declare that the Holy Scriptures must play second fiddle to the whims of society simply because we disagree with what is written in them is a dangerous road upon which to travel.
 
There, I have said my piece, and I know that many disagree with me; and that is fine.
I am not here to judge, that’s God’s job.
 
Years ago, when the winds were beginning to change
and I had no idea that the Lord was planning on calling me to the pulpit ministry, I was “pulling” corn on my quarter acre plot near Gilbert. While doing so I absentmindedly pondered the changes taking place at the time and the coming changes that concerned me and a poem came to mind. I would like to share it with you.
 
It is entitled “The Road Seldom Traveled” and it speaks of a narrow lane. The narrow lane of following Christ no matter what winds or currents we may face in life.
 
 


The Road Seldom Traveled
 
Have you ever seen a byway that’s been alone too long,
with ruts that cut so deep, and weeds that grow so long?
The trees they overhang it, with shadows all around,
and you wonder, “Should I bother, or head on back to town?”
 
For that road is narrow, dark and long, with stones upon the ground,
and my feet are very tender, and a smooth way can’t be found.
For I haven’t had a chance you see, to toughen up my soles,
against the stones upon the ground or the thorns the weeds may hold.
 
‘Sides, that road is seldom traveled, and then only by a few.
Who say they met a man upon the way to help them through.
They said His name was Jesus, and strange thing I was told.
He gave them all he had for free. Not a thing was sold.
 
Now this road that I’ve been travelin’ down is wide and often trod,
by folks somewhat like me, in search of a lesser God.
A God who won’t require restraint, or ask us to obey;
we want a God to save our souls, for something we can pay.
 
“I’d like two pounds of Jesus please, not enough to weigh me down,
just enough to help me make it through, till I reach another town.
Any less of Him won’t fill the void; any more might make a change.
I like my life the way it is. I don’t want to rearrange.”
 
Strange
 
So we travel down our roads in life with hope that at the end,
the little bits of good we do, will counteract the sin.
But we could work both day and night, with all the work in vain.
For the only way to reach the light,
is down that narrow lane.

Matthew 7: 13-14   -   John 10: 7-9
 
Love,
Pastor Tony
 

---