PATHS OF FATE: THE BROAD WAY VS. THE NARROW WAY

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the spiritual dichotomy of paths: the broad way of ease and self-indulgence leading to destruction, contrasted with the narrow way of faithfulness and sacrifice that promises eternal life. It examines themes of worldliness, spiritual infidelity, alliances with earthly influences, apostasy, divine love through free will, personal devotion to God, compassion for others, and the enduring reminder of these choices in our journey.

BROAD PATH DANGERS!

The broad way, in stark contrast to the narrow way, is easy to travel. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13, KJV). The allure of the broad way is described as drawing people through self-indulgence and worldly conformity. As Ellen G. White writes, “In the road to death the whole race may go, with all their worldliness, all their selfishness, all their pride, dishonesty, and moral debasement. There is room for every man’s opinions and doctrines, space to follow his inclinations, to do whatever his self-love may dictate. In order to go in the path that leads to destruction, there is no need of searching for the way; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad, and the feet naturally turn into the path that ends in death” (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 197, 198, 1905). A vivid picture of the broad way emerges as a path requiring no self-denial or sacrifice. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV). “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:6, KJV). As Sr. White states, “The road to paradise is not one of self-exaltation but of repentance, contrition, meekness, faith, and obedience” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 143, 1896). “Multitudes are traveling now in the broad road, and wide is the gate that leadeth to death. The road is broad and smooth, and self-indulgent travelers find it easy” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 132, 1890). Many are drawn to this path because it requires no self-denial or sacrifice. We must be vigilant, lest we be swept away by the current of worldliness. But what happens when we forsake the true source for worldly substitutes?

SPIRITUAL BETRAYAL!

Many who profess to follow God have forsaken the fountain of living waters and hewn out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13, KJV). Spiritual infidelity occurs when we turn away from God. “Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure. For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers” (Hosea 8:8, 9, KJV). The consequences of turning away from God appear through conformity to the world. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15, 16, KJV). “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “As I have of late looked around to find the humble followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised. Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ are becoming conformed to this world and seek more earnestly the applause of those around them than the approbation of God. Many of these professed Christians dress, talk, and act like the world, and the only thing by which they may be known is their profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in heaven, but on worldly things” (Early Writings, pp. 107, 108, 1882). The worldliness that has crept into the church calls for heartfelt devotion. As Sr. White states, “The spirit of the world is fast leavening the churches. Many who profess to be Christians are worldlings in heart and practice. They have no love for God, no desire to do His will. They are controlled by worldly maxims and customs” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 215, 1889). “The Lord has pronounced a curse upon those who take from or add to the Scriptures. The great I AM has decided the principles that should govern every human being, and in council with His Son He has given His law to the world. The human agent is to reverence and obey the law of God” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 398, 1884). “Those who forsake God in order to save their lives will be forsaken by Him. In seeking to save their lives by yielding the truth, they will lose eternal life” (The Signs of the Times, December 25, 1884). We must be careful not to compromise our faith for the sake of worldly acceptance. But how do alliances with the world deepen this betrayal?

WORLDLY TIES!

Those who walk on the broad way often align themselves with the world. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4, KJV). Warnings against worldly alliances highlight the danger of compromise. “They have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15, KJV). Maintaining distinct identity as Christians guards against worldly molding. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, KJV). “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “Many who profess to be Christians are becoming more and more like the world. They are losing their distinctiveness as God’s peculiar people. They are conforming to the world in their dress, their amusements, their conversation, and their associations” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 116, 1881). The growing separation between the righteous and the wicked urges wise choices. As Sr. White states, “The line of demarcation between those who serve God and those who serve him not is becoming more and more distinct. The ungodly are rapidly ripening for the day of God’s vengeance. The righteous are ripening for the heavenly garner” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 209, 1889). “Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazingstock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 458, 1865). “If the world introduce a modest, convenient, and healthful mode of dress, which is in accordance with the Bible, it will not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God’s Word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 460, 1865). We must not allow the world to mold us into its image. But what leads many from the narrow way to this downward path?

DOWNWARD PATH!

Many who begin on the narrow way eventually fall away. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19, KJV). Apostasy arises from prioritizing earthly things over spiritual ones. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2 Timothy 4:10, KJV). “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:18, 19, KJV). “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened… if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance” (Hebrews 6:4-6, KJV). “Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:21, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (The Signs of the Times, January 25, 1883). The power of worldly allurements pulls many astray. As Sr. White states, “When men apostatize, they are without excuse. The reason they are not in fellowship with Christ is because they have the spirit of apostasy. They are ruled by the principles of evil, and they influence others to apostatize also” (The Review and Herald, May 29, 1900). “The great apostasy originally began in a denial of the love of God, as it is plainly revealed in the Word” (Letter 172, 1907). “Satan will work with masterly power to bring in fanaticism among us through the delusive working of false prophets. He will try to bring in among us false theories and doctrines, leading us away from the truth” (Manuscript 1, 1906). We must be vigilant and guard against the temptations that can lead us astray. But how do these concepts reflect God’s love?

DIVINE LOVE SHOWN!

God’s love is evident in the very existence of both the broad and narrow ways. While the broad way might seem easier, it ultimately leads to destruction. The narrow way, though challenging, leads to eternal life. This choice, presented to humanity, is a testament to God’s respect for our free will. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). The immense sacrifice God made offers salvation without force. “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV). “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “In the gift of His Son He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift” (Steps to Christ, p. 21, 1892). He provides a clear path to redemption through Christ. As Sr. White states, “God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong. God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture” (The Desire of Ages, p. 458, 1898). “God has given to men a declaration of His character and of His method of dealing with men…. It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell” (The Great Controversy, p. 555, 1911). “God gives light to guide those who honestly desire light and truth; but it is not His purpose to remove all cause for questioning. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit; and all should decide from the weight of evidence” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 255, 1875). God’s love empowers us to choose life through faith in Jesus. But what is our primary responsibility toward God in response?

Our primary responsibility toward God is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30, KJV). Totality of devotion calls for a life lived in service to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Surrendering our will to His reflects His character in all we do. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV). “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “The first and highest duty of man is to learn of God and to do His will” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 311, 1890). Our lives become constant acts of worship in gratitude for His grace. As Sr. White states, “The first great commandment is, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. The second is like unto it: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 439, 1889). “It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right or what the minister tells him is right. His soul’s salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1911). “The first work for those who would reform, is to purify the imagination. Our meditations should be such as will elevate the mind and the soul, and excite to greater devotion” (The Signs of the Times, October 9, 1884). Our lives should be constant acts of worship, a testament to our love and gratitude for His immeasurable grace. But what is our responsibility toward our neighbor?

Our responsibility toward our neighbor is to love them as ourselves. “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31, KJV). Selfless love fosters generosity and concern for others. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:24, KJV). Showing compassion and respect treats everyone with dignity. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “The second great commandment is, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ This commandment requires self-sacrifice” (The Youth’s Instructor, August 18, 1898). Interactions with others should reflect love, kindness, and service. As Sr. White states, “The law of God requires that we love our fellow men as ourselves. Then every means by which God provides to save the perishing souls, must be diligently improved in order to answer the great question, ‘What shall I do to inherit eternal life?’” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 382, 1875). “Our duty to our fellow beings is to love them as ourselves, to do unto them as we would they should do unto us” (The Review and Herald, October 13, 1874). “The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 135, 1896). Our interactions with others should be characterized by love, kindness, and a genuine desire to serve. But what reflections remind us of these paths?

CHOICE REMINDERS!

The imagery of the broad and narrow ways is a powerful reminder of the choices we face in our spiritual journey. The broad way, though seemingly easy and popular, leads to destruction. The narrow way, though challenging and less traveled, leads to eternal life. “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14, KJV). “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:26, 27, KJV). As Ellen G. White writes, “The narrow way, which all must travel who at last reach the gates of the city of God, requires self-denial, self-crucifixion, and firm resistance of the clamors of appetite and passion” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 543, 1875). The growing distinction between paths calls for vigilant choices. As Sr. White states, “There are two paths before us, the path of obedience leading to heaven, and the path of disobedience leading to death. Those who would enjoy the blessedness of the righteous must be conformed to the will of God. They must be holy” (The Signs of the Times, May 19, 1881). “Those who choose the path that leads to eternal life will find it strait and narrow, beset with trials and discouragements; but the overcomers will receive the overcomer’s reward” (The Review and Herald, July 17, 1883). “The path to heaven is narrow, and the gate is strait; but the Lord has made provision for all who choose to enter” (The Signs of the Times, November 11, 1886).

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PATHS OF FATE: THE BROAD WAY VS. THE NARROW WAY

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV).

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