One-Way

“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

In Chattanooga, like in most towns big or small, there are a good number of one-way roads and streets, especially Downtown.

Three times in the last few weeks, I found myself facing potential issues from folks heading in the wrong direction on a one-way street

The first one was innocent enough with a driver, obviously in unfamiliar surroundings, turning the wrong way down a one-way street and coming straight at me. With little reaction time, all I could do was stop, do my best to pull over as far as I could and start flashing my lights at the oncoming vehicle. The two men in business suits ultimately stopped as well, gave an apologetic wave to me and the cars behind me, and quickly made a u-turn.

The second was an elderly lady, with another car close behind her, making a turn too sharp at a very busy intersection. Thus, going rather quickly the wrong way with oncoming traffic doing their best to slow and dodge the two vehicles. Until finally, the two made a left turn toward what looked like their destination. The whole time seemingly oblivious to their mistake.

The third was once again Downtown. Another one-way street. Another vehicle going the wrong way at me. Only this time as I moved out of the way while flashing my lights, the rather young-looking women decided to give me the one finger salute and continue going the wrong direction. Thus, causing others to have to pull over to get out of her way.

As I contemplate these three scenarios, it occurs to me that they are very similar to the world around us, with similar responses to the Gospel message. 

All three needed direction. All three, in this analogy, needed the Gospel.

One heard and changed direction.
One never heard and kept going the wrong direction, and led another the wrong way too.
One heard but chose not to act upon what she had heard, chose her own path, her own way… no matter what.

Some of us may be in a similar place as those vehicles. 

Some of us may have our compass pointed in the wrong direction. Career goals and life-wants stealing our focus. Thus, not realizing we’re heading the wrong way.

Some of us may be like the obstinate young woman, going our own way no matter what, even it is the wrong way and we know it. We’re going to choose our own way no matter who it hurts, or what anyone might say, even if it ultimately hurts us. 

If you find yourself going the wrong direction, Jesus wants you to turn around and follow Him. He wants us all to travel down the road less chosen - the right way on a narrow one-way street. 

Trust Him to lead the way.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem