Do You Know Which Way Is Up?

By Joe Slater

    “That poor fellow doesn’t know which way is up!” By that we mean he’s confused, misinformed, or maybe not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.

    When it comes to spiritual matters, seek above all else to know which way is up! And once you know, follow that way.

    You must select between two ways. Hear the word of the Lord: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

    A vast majority travel the broad way leading down to destruction. Why? Because it’s easy! I grew up with dirt roads, many of them narrow. Moving farm implements from one field to another presented serious problems. I didn’t like narrow roads then, and like them even less now. Give me a wide, paved highway any day!

    Most feel the same about how they live. No restrictions, plenty of company – sounds great, doesn’t it? (Until you consider the destination, that is!)

    What about the way that leads upward to life in Heaven? Not only is it difficult, but even the entrance (gate) is narrow. If you pass through that gate, it will be on purpose. You won’t travel the difficult way by coincidence. You must be content to be in the minority, for those on the difficult way are not many, but few. But oh, the destination: Life!

    Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If you know Jesus, you know which way is up. Follow Jesus!

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com