by Greg Tidwell

"Cheshire Cat," asked Alice, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

"I don"t much care where." said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.

The Cheshire Cat had a point. All paths are meaningless if you have no place to go. This basic observation highlights the difference between the Christian way of life and the way pursued by the secular world. God's people are following a different path because they seek a different destination.

Too often, however, we discuss the differences between the Lord's church and the world in terms of the paths chosen rather than in terms of the destination desired. Looking merely at the path, most will choose to go the way of the world. The secular path is broad and easy. The way of the Lord, in contrast, is narrow and challenging. Looking merely at the path, the broad and easy way seems very appealing. Of course, the problem with the easy way is that it ends in destruction (Matt. 7:13,14).

In the Lord's church we must stay focused on the destination and choose the path that will get us there. We believe that God has called us to be His people, to walk in His way, and to live with Him forever. Knowing the path that leads to an eternal home with God, we choose the narrow way. Not because it is more convenient, but because it will get us where we want to go.