The Narrow Way – by Toni Babcock
"…Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life…" (Matthew 7:14 KJV).
Those who are familiar with paddling in whitewater are familiar with the narrow way through rapids. The narrow way is the 'V' formation the water forms as it swiftly channels through a treacherous stretch of river. The 'V' is where the water is deep and fast . It's typically the safest spot for paddlers to aim the bow of a canoe in order to shoot past boulders and other obstacles that would otherwise spell disaster.
Compare this to the Christian experience. Jesus said "Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat. Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV).
How can you know you are truly aiming toward the narrow way? By checking out who is sitting in the bow. If it is an unbelieving self-led soul sitting in the bow - then sin is steering from the stern. Self-led souls blinded by sin cannot aim their craft toward the narrow way - they will always choose their own way; the broad way that leads to destruction. But if the individual sitting in the bow is a child of God, being led by the Spirit - then Christ is steering from the stern. United in purpose, Christ and the Spirit-led Christian both see and discern the narrow way and gladly choose it. So then the question is; who is sitting in the bow?
Toni M. Babcock is a Christian writer and author of The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens. Contact | 
