The Roads I've Traveled (Depravity, Legalism, Faith)

Traveling along the road at a ripe young age
I came upon two paths which split my road.
One winded downward in a haphazard way.
It appeared beaten down, rough and traveled by many.
I knew those who traveled this road bragged of fun and delight.
There were many stops of pleasure and many things to be gained,
But I had been taught that this was not the path for me.

So I chose the straight and narrow path ventured upon by a few.
I felt a sense of pride and adventure as I left the crowd behind.
Though the road was straight, it was not an easy path.
There were many hills to climb and many dark valleys to descend
I knew traveling this road, I would forsake fun and delight
Though I could see the stops of pleasure on the other road,
To cross the path to the other side was not for me.

Patience, diligent service, discipline and most of all obedience
Were the virtues required to successfully navigate the narrow path.
Patience was required for delayed gratification and indulging in temporary pleasure
Diligent service would keep my mind and heart on the purpose for existence.
Discipline would keep me from wanting to cross the road to the other side.
Obedience was required to deny that which was forbidden along this path.

Self motivation and self control were fueled by selfish pride in my virtues.
I had no sins to confess, but I could clearly see the sins of those on the other side.
I was far superior than those who had chosen the other road.
Though I would still wonder at the pleasure they seemed to enjoy.
Sometimes I would miss the consequences of their shameful acts of depravity.
I began to linger on my path watching the other side still feeling my pride.

Curiosity played in my mind wondering was I missing something.
Imagination began to feed a growing fantasy for the physical pleasure.
Could I not cross the path to the other side and return to the straight and narrow?
Perhaps I could venture into the woods between the paths only,
But the closer I would come to the path on the other side,
The more enticing the walk along that path seemed to be.

Finally I began to lose my way in the woods between the paths
And found my self traveling along the road my pride had kept me from.
Shame would build in my soul as I knew I was on the wrong road.
Depression would soon follow the repeated failure of my own self will.
Constant desire for the road on the other side would increase and rise
Until complete apathy would fill my heart and soul for a period of time.


The many stops of pleasure left me empty and all alone.
Fun and delight would last for only a short time before shame set in.
I found the road on the other side traveled in a viscous circle.
Pleasure would lead to empty shame and despair,
Shame and despair would lead to depression,
Depression would drive preoccupation with temporary pleasure
Preoccupation would lead to ritual which would result in sin.

The road I now was on was full of thorns and thistles.
Cuts and bruises became very common as did deep wounds in my flesh.
Dangers haunted my every step until overwhelming fear set in,
But I was traveling so fast down this road, no escape seemed possible
Until finally I crashed and tumbled over myself breaking my bones.
Left to die, bleeding broken and empty I lifted my eyes.

How did I miss it? How did I not see? There was a third road.
Like the road I had first chosen, this one was straight and narrow.
Few had chosen it though many were called to travel upon it.
To travel this road required faith and trust, but not in one self nor in foolish pride.
This road was never to be traveled alone. Each traveler had the same guide.
The guide had already navigated the path for each of us. All we had to do was follow him.

The guide stood before me and asked, "Do you trust me to lead you down this path?"
I could see in his gentle loving eyes that he could be trusted.
I knew he had come to me out of his unconditional love for broken travelers.
His wisdom and guidance was beyond any ever known to me.
He took my hand before I could answer, raised me up and healed my wounds.
"Yes," was all my lips could utter as he began to walk saying "Follow me."

I confessed that I had chosen two very wrong paths in my journey.
My guide just smiled knowing that was true as he continued to whisper, "Follow me."
I submitted myself to his guidance and control, for I was confident, he knew where to go.
Joy, peace, patience, kindness, thankfulness and love began to fill my heart
My guide would send me to the other roads to bring to him other weary, broken travelers.
As long as I followed my guide I knew I would never be lead astray.