Journey

I'm sat on a train between Newcastle and Aberdeen and I'm thinking about travel. I love traveling. Whether its flying, driving or going by train, I love a journey.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the phase "life is not just about the destination, it's about the journey to get there" (hmm..... Think I've paraphrased most of that, but you get the idea). Our Christian life is a journey. We know one day we'll get to heaven, but if the Lord doesn't return in our lifetime, we can expect to have 70+ years to live out on earth. Below are just a few thoughts about our life's journey......

You have to be on the right road;
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matt 6: 13-14 ESV
We are born on the wrong road in life. We are heading for disaster from the off. Our great, great, great, great (add a lot more greats) grandfather Adam disobeyed God. When he did, his sin brought a curse upon humanity. We are born with a disadvantage; sin. It's effects on our lives are seen in the wrong things we do, think & say; and ultimately creates a life lived in selfish disobedience toward a Holy God. Because Jesus (Gods own son) died on a cross to bear the root problem of sin, God can justly forgive those people who turn to Him, confessing their own sin & asking for forgiveness. The moment we do, we "enter in by faith to the narrow way". Few people find it, but it leads to eternal life. Are you on the narrow road? Are you still traveling on the road that leads to destruction?

Once you've gotten yourself on the road heading in the right direction (toward heaven and eternal life), its important to follow the course of the path. The more we deviate off the path, the more bumpy our journey will be. There will be highs and lows. Peaks and troughs. Driving on the edge of a mountain pass wouldn't be sensible; and neither is living a life constantly on the edge of sin, in the way of temptations. The further away from the edge we are, the less the chances are of us being hurt along the way. The Holy Spirit Himself has been given to us to guide us in the right way....
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Gal 5:16) whether or not we listen to Him though is up to us.

Do people see my walk as being different to theirs? Surely if I'm on a different road to those who live in sin, my route through life should look different? "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Eph 4:1-2) I could have used several verses here, many I'm sure you could think of; but I chose this one as it not only tells us the purpose for our walk, but also how it should be done. In all honesty, my walk is quite a long way off this, but as I always say in these posts, these are not what I'm necessarily doing, but what I strive to do. If we're walking together, we should try to do it with love. It'll make it far easier for us to travel together!

That's the thing about this journey; it's one of constant learning and improving. We are slowly being changed to look like the man who will be waiting for us at our destination; the lord Jesus Christ.

"Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col 1:10) While on life's journey, we aren't just to take in the view. We have a work to be done, and a person to get to know. Your work will be different to mine and vice versa; but we are to be doing the work God has called us each to do. As we work, we learn about God, and He is pleased to equip and empower us for His service.

Finally; let's enjoy the journey "for we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7) Can you not see the problems awaiting you? Not sure when the blessings will arrive? Neither can I.... But God can! He both knows us, cares for us and will guide us.

Lets make the most of our journey, as it will improve the destination all the more!

Yours in Him
Dan