Deciding the best way (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13.14.

Deciding the best way (1)
Nila was an inhabitant of Lapland. In his youth he had not taken what is yours and what is mine very seriously. It didn’t really matter whether the reindeer he killed belonged to his own herd or to a neighbour’s. And he really enjoyed cheating travelling salesmen, who too often took advantage of people. Very occasionally Nila went to the village church, some distance away, not to attend a service, however, but to do some shopping and increase his store of brandy.

Nila led this kind of life for years without inquiring after God. Then there was a spiritual revival in Lapland. Many who had been addicted to brandy became free, reliable persons. Thieves restored stolen goods; the effect of the revival was visible to all.

Nila also heard the gospel, but at first he thought he was above it. Was everyone really a lost sinner? That was going too far! He had never done anything particularly wicked. In any case, he could improve.

One day, when Nila was outside seeing to his reindeer, he began to think over this question. And his eyes were opened. He had to admit to the truth: “I am a sinner; I am lost.” That day he realised that the preacher had been right. Nila had to decide whether he would continue on the broad way or take the narrow way that led to life.

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today’s reading: Zephaniah 2:1-15 · Mark 10:46-52