Of course, there’s wisdom in looking to others and learning from the various paths they’ve taken. But popular doesn’t make right. And many times we must pursue those narrow and difficult paths that few others choose in order to find life.
Naturally, we tend to take for granted how we approach life when everyone around us is doing the same thing. We go along with others and seek to maintain whatever social status is valued in our community.
For example, we might have cared more about appearing cool in school rather than taking our studies seriously. And we likely didn’t give this a second thought when everyone else was doing the same thing as well.
And we likely also approach our relationships casually and focused on what we can get from them when this is the prominent model set by those around us.
Likewise, our work will often focus on how much money we can make when money is seen as the chief end by those in our community.
Whatever the situation, there tends to be a dominant narrative we’re all likely to follow uncritically. And this is that broad and easy path because everyone else is doing the same thing.
But this is not always the path to life.
In fact, true life is often found away from the crowds, on narrow and difficult paths.
At first, this makes no sense because it seems we’re all alone. Everyone else can’t be wrong and we’re the only ones right.
But we learn to look to God for life rather than the popular opinions of others. And this often puts us at odds with the world around us.
This is not to become so prideful in our own approach that we miss the wisdom others have to offer. But it’s not always expecting a lot of company as we pursue the life and standards God has for us as well.
In the end, remember goodness and life are often found on lonely and difficult roads away from the crowds. Learn from others whenever you can. And be willing also to take the narrow paths God has set before you.
Photo by Francisco Gonzalez on Unsplash
