In Numbers, chapter 20, we read where Moses smote the rock when he had been told to speak to the rock. In I Samuel chapter eight, we read where the nation of Israel asks for a king when God did not want them to have a king. In Jonah chapter one, we read where Jonah was told to go to Nineveh, but Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh. What do these three all have in common? They each attempted to do God’s things their way. However, the Bible teaches, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). Solomon wrote, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”. All of this being true, it would seem wise for us to consider some things about God’s way.

First, let us notice that God’s way is a narrow way. Often people are said to be narrow-minded when they stand firm upon what the Bible says on some subject. However, God is rather narrow-minded about His way. Jesus said, “…strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). He also stated, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Later He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). God has never allowed room for compromise when it comes to following His way.

Secondly, the Lord’s way is an impartial way. God is no respecter of persons. It took some persuasion to convince him, but Peter finally was able to say, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). The Hebrew writer said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). No one will be left out and none shall slip through the cracks. Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (II Cor. 5:10). All will be judged, all will be judged by the same standard and all will have the same blessings or punishments.

Thirdly, God’s way is a revealed way. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). Paul said concerning God’s way, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth…” (I Cor. 2:10, 13). He told the Roman brethren that the gospel of Christ “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). The problem is not that God’s way is hidden, but that far too few will consult the revelation God has provided.

Finally, consider that God’s way is a costly way. It cost God His only begotten Son. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It was costly to Jesus. He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:7-8). The price paid to redeem us of our sins, that God’s way demanded, was the blood of His dear Son. Not with gold and silver, “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Pet.1:18), we are redeemed according to God’s way. It will cost us as well. Jesus said, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). He goes on to point out the necessity of counting the cost (Luke 14:28-33). Though one can not purchase their salvation, God’s way does cost us. It cost us sacrifice, dedication, obedience, commitment and sometimes family and friends (Matt. 10:34-38).

An old preacher that was on our local radio station a number of years ago would often end his lesson, “Remember, you can go to hell any way you want to, but you can only go to heaven God’s way”. God does have a way, it has been revealed to us in His word, the Bible. It is a narrow way, having no room for compromise and it is a costly way, but in the end, it is the only way if you wish to have a home in heaven.

(Editor’s note: Send any questions or comments to: rcoliver@centurylink.net)