Interesting enough, most of us want gain, without any pain, that's just the nature of the beast. It is much easier to take shortcuts in life, then to stay on the straight and narrow road. I have come to the conclusion that it is much more inviting and tempting to take the shortcuts of life because of it's instant gratification and short term pleasure, then to think about the results it may bring later on in life.
It is easy to relax and "go with the flow." But those who go through the narrow gate are going to have to stand against pressure. Have you ever been in a boat paddling up stream with the current coming against you? This is the type of pressure that you may feel when you choose to obey and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The bible says in Matthew 7: 13-14 - Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. But the gate is narrow and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. One thing is for sure - no one will be lonely on the broad road. There will always be lots of company because many people are going that way. God uses people who stay on the narrow path. Deuteronomy 30:19 says "I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live." We have two pathways set before us - the broad and the narrow. A - Life and B - Death. CHOOSE LIFE! God wants us to make the right choice because it affects not only us but also those around us, including our children. He makes it clear that we should choose life so that we and our children may live.
Compromise dilutes and pollutes.
Most of you will remember drinking Kool-Aid as a kid. But one thing I really hated was when my Mom added too much water, the mixture was so diluted that it had lost its flavor. I think that's what compromise does in our lives as Christians - it causes us to become watered down and tasteless. We have an appearance of being refreshing, but we lack the true flavor of our Savior, Jesus Christ. One thing I've come to know is that by being consistently faithful in serving and honoring God, hearing the Word of God preached, obeying His instructions, walking by faith, keeping one foot in front of the other and not quitting no matter what it looked like, or what it cost me, has proven to be very valuable and fruitful in my life. Yes, there is a price to pay and sacrifices made along the way as a Christian who is surrendered and sold out to God, but the benefits out way the sacrifice by far.
