Week 1 | Day 5 | This or That?

Command:

Enter through the narrow gate. Matthew 7:13 (NIV)

Read:

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway… Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:18-19 and 24-25a (NLT)

Reflect:

I used to say that being a Christian is harder than not being one. So many rules to follow! Even now, after walking with Jesus for decades, I still resonate with the Apostle Paul’s words. As much as I love Jesus and want to follow in his ways, I inevitably fall back into my old habits. I want to be kind, but some guy cuts me off. I want to give generously, but oh, a pair of new shoes sure would look good on my feet. I really would like to spend more time in prayer and reading scripture, but that new Netflix series is calling me. 

Sure, these choices aren’t going to ruin my life, but they are areas ripe with the opportunity to grow into the character of Jesus. The way of Jesus is a life of daily choosing between the narrow way that leads to abundant life, or the broad way that leads to spiritual death. Author and theologian John Mark Comer puts it this way:

“Following Jesus is about those moments where you have that decision to make between the flesh and the Spirit. Following Jesus is a thousand small deaths that lead to one massive life.”

React:

What choice is in front of you this season? Choosing the way of Jesus is not easy. Yet Jesus promises that his path leads to a life of deep joy and flourishing. Are you willing to take that risk for the sake of a massive life with Jesus?

Pray:

Jesus, thank you that I don’t have to do life without you. Thank you that you are already showing me the way.