Keep Your Eyes Focused On Where You Want To Go

Matthew 7:13-14 – Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (NIV)

When I was learning to drive, my instructor kept reminding me that the car would go where my eyes were focused.

Recently a kayak enthusiast for challenging white water rapids of the most daring and dangerous type was interviewed on television. When asked what his technique was for evading calamity, he replied that one must avoid looking in the direction where danger lurks. That sounded familiar! Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go! Know, too, where danger lurks.

That advice could perhaps be applied to our spiritual walk. Those whose spiritual eyes are focused on the path of righteousness, desiring to walk the straight and narrow way, are more likely to find the path smoother and more peaceful — in spite of trials, tribulation, and persecution — than those who take the broad road that leads to destruction.

Keeping one's spiritual eyes focused on the narrow way demands the same kind of discipline the kayak enthusiast must employ. The discipline for the narrow path follower depends on keeping one's focus on God's holy Scriptures day by day, maintaining a daily prayer time, and meeting regularly for Christian fellowship and instruction. Unfortunately, I have too often stepped off onto the muddy broad way, and have had to come with bowed head and contrite heart, seeking God's forgiveness. Praise God! He still is willing to scrub off the dirt, and welcome me back home.

Prayer: Dear Lord and Master, finding the narrow road and the narrow gate can be as challenging as the kayak manipulator finds keeping his eyes focused on safe passageways. Help us to seek Your face continually, and to know the comfort of the guidance of Your Holy Spirit as we seek to walk in the way of righteousness. Amen.

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