Two Paths

The Choice of a Lifetime

Jesus presents us with a clear and vital choice: His path, which leads to abundant life, or the thief's path, which leads to stealing, killing, and destroying. Every day, often moment by moment, our thoughts, words, and actions align us with one of these two paths. In challenging times, this choice becomes more critical than ever.

Choosing Life in Challenging Times

To navigate a world filled with turmoil and continue on the path of life, we must be intentional. Here are three biblical principles to guide us:

• Guard Your Heart: Above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life. It’s not just about what you keep out, but where you intentionally set your heart and mind. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
• Recognize the Battle: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. The true enemy seeks to divide and promote violence to bring about destruction. We must be aware of this spiritual battle and the part we play in it.
• Be a Turning Point: When the world moves toward destruction, Christians are called to move in the opposite direction. We are in this world, but not of it. Our response should look different—it should look like abundant life.

The Happy Warrior's Greatest Weapon

In a world quick to hate and divide, Jesus calls us to radical love. We are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us. This isn't weakness—it's strength under control. It is holding to truth with a posture of grace.

When the temptation is to strike back, the Happy Warrior chooses differently: serving the hurting, praying for the hateful, and showing Christ’s love in action. This is the path to life.

Key Scriptures from the Message

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Matthew 5:44-45

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”