DO THE RIGHT THING

Proclamation:

"Do not fret because of those who do evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.  Trust in The Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”  Psalm 37:1-3 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  He admonishes the people of God not to be upset because of the prosperity of those who do wrong.  The Good Lord will deal with them.  David encouraged them to trust in The Lord and to do that which is good and right.  For by doing so, they will be blessed.

Application:

It is hard to do the right thing when those around you are doing wrong and seem to be getting ahead.  It is all too easy to go along with the crowd and do what they are doing without realizing that they are going the wrong way.  We must remember that we are in this world but not of it.  We must answer to a higher authority.  We are to do the right thing and not worry about those that do wrong.  They will get what is coming to them.  Let us be careful and watch our steps to make sure that we are on the right path. (Psalm 37:23)  The right way and the right path is usually less traveled. (Matthew 7:13-14)  Let's make sure that we are following The Lord and going His way.

THE NARROW LESS TRAVELED DIFFICULT ROAD

Proclamation:

"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." Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words which were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, near the end of The Sermon on The Mount.  Jesus taught His disciples and the surrounding crowd that the wide and well traveled road that most people take is not the way to go because that road leads to bad outcomes.  The better choice is the narrow, less traveled, more difficult road which will lead to a better life. 

Application:

The easy way is often not the best way.  Following the crowd will usually lead you to trouble.  The popular choice, entering the wide gate, includes the worldly way of non-believers and many popular religions which teach self-righteousness and rituals not based upon biblical principals.  Following Jesus, entering the narrow gate, is often difficult because we must make choices that are unpopular and that go against our sinful nature.  The wide gate will eventually lead to eternal damnation in the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20 and 20:15)  The narrow gate will lead to eternal life with Christ.  There are many false prophets and false teachers who will lead people astray. (Matthew 7:21-23)  Choose very carefully the road you take and who you will follow, your life on earth and in eternity will depend upon it.