Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

This past week we were blessed to witness two more hearts filled with God’s grace as they put on Christ in baptism. The invitation of Christ to become a follower is the greatest of treasures. Every journey begins with a first step. We want to welcome our two new sisters with love and support as we walk together. I marvel at the salvation of God every time I think of the gift we’ve been given. By Christ’s blood we have been set free from the oppression of sin. He empowers us by the Holy Spirit to obey and live a holy life. His grace is at work in us with each turn we make. Leaving the old paths of sin can be difficult because it is a road well worn.
The way of Christ is challenging and one that requires my full focus and attention. My wife can tell you that I am a major creature of habit. When behind the wheel of car I have been known to drive with an automatic response taking me down the same path I always go. I have worn a steady path between my house and the church. That’s a great thing, except if my destination was supposed to be the grocery store! Even when our destination requires a new route, it’s hard to change from what we are used to. Before we know it we are headed to a place we had not intended to go. We may start to feel like that is the only direction we know.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives we face daily decisions that pave the roads we live. We have to change from those directions we once followed that led us further from God. Someone once said, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Jesus said it this way, “The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13 NLT). It’s the easier road. Following Christ is not the path of least resistance. However, we are not alone and His strength makes us able to do the most difficult task. Finish well.