There is a difference between taking the easiest path and taking one that is easier.
The first is one that desires few trials or tribulations, that has no stomach for persecutions, for contending which often leads to mocking’s and ridicule. The easiest path could be considered the path of the perpetually weaker brother, one who realizes the truths of the Scriptures as it relates to service in love to the Lord, yet fears of possible repercussions from the world, fears of personal loss in many different areas of their lives causes them to remain on the easiest path.
Whether they have truly been born-again or not is known only to the Almighty.
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” (Rev. 3:15)
The easier path is sought at times by those who no longer have those fears, who no longer love this world or any of the things it has to offer. They care nothing for the accolades or temporal rewards that others who serve Christ attempt to place upon them, awards and praise from their brothers and sisters in Christ are seen as almost detrimental to them, almost as a temptation that may allow even a small amount of pride to enter into their hearts.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Those trials and tribulations, the frustrations and heartaches, the mocking words, even when they are offered in a polite form, become at times too much of a burden. The constant, daily, almost non-stop pressure of the flesh that will not relent its attacks, the subtle and not so subtle advances of our adversary whose only desire is to find a way to place accusations against the man of God that the Almighty will know as truth, these and a thousand other attacks from within and without cause the man of God to seek an easier path, one that will provide him a moments rest from a life whose sole purpose, whose continuous pursuit is the glory of God.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2)
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
The easiest path seems to be the way for many who profess to love the Lord these days, far too many possible personal repercussions lay on the path of those who will speak His Holy name openly in public, far too many opportunities to lose what will be lost to them in the end lay on the path ahead if they completely resign themselves and honestly say with a heart of humility “Thy will be done.”
Those who at times seek the easier path know the truth of Hebrews 12:29, “For our God is a consuming fire.” They understand Romans 8:36, “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” And when they are led to the still water, if even for a few moments, they know a refreshing peace that those who have chosen the easiest path can never know, they know a peace that passes all understanding that they will never comprehend.
His yoke is indeed lite my friends, but once it is set upon us, it is never removed, the cross we carry loses none of its burdens, the flesh is never crucified unto death in this life, its screams grow louder, and the man who has chosen, has been blessed to be set on the rough path to that straight gate is not just noticed by our adversary, but needs to keep his armor on at all times, for Satan’s fiery darts will not stop assailing him.
The man of God seeks at times the easier path, but it will be denied him, he has set his face like a flint, he seeks for the glory of God, and those brief moments beside the still waters are enough for him.
