Two Roads, One Decision

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Dr. Ron Rhodes: TWO ROADS, ONE DECISION

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the LORD.”
— Psalm 1:1-2

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction… But the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.”
— Matthew 7:13-14

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Life is filled with choices, but none as consequential as the one Jesus and the psalmist describe: the choice between two paths — the way of life and the way of destruction. Psalm 1 and Matthew 7:13-14 serve as signposts at a spiritual crossroads, urging us to consider the direction of our lives carefully. Let us reflect on five key truths drawn from these powerful Scriptures:

1. THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY PATHS

The Bible avoids middle roads. According to both Psalm 1 and Matthew 7, you are either on the path of righteousness or the path of ruin. This sobering truth defies the modern illusion of neutrality or moral relativism. Jesus made it unmistakably clear: one path leads to life, the other to destruction. Everyone is on one of them — right now.

2. THE BROAD WAY IS POPULAR, BUT PERILOUS

Jesus described the broad road as wide and easy, filled with many travelers (Matthew 7:13). It appeals to our flesh, celebrates compromise, and resists restraint. Yet its end is tragic. Psalm 1:6 affirms this too: “The way of the wicked will perish.” Culture may applaud it, and crowds may walk it, but it leads to judgment.

3. THE NARROW WAY IS COSTLY, BUT REWARDING

The narrow road is not easy. It requires denying self, embracing truth, and walking in obedience to Christ. Psalm 1 portrays the righteous man as one who “delights in the law of the LORD” and meditates on it “day and night.” He may not be the majority, but he is blessed, rooted, and fruitful. Jesus said this way leads to life (Matthew 7:14), even if only a few find it.

4. YOUR COMPANIONS REVEAL YOUR PATH

Psalm 1 begins with a warning about association: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” The company you keep often reflects — and reinforces — the road you’re on. Are you surrounded by those who encourage holiness or those who entice you to drift?

5. YOUR LIFE WILL BEAR THE FRUIT OF YOUR PATH

The righteous man is like “a tree planted by streams of water,” flourishing and fruitful (Psalm 1:3). The wicked, by contrast, are like chaff — weightless, rootless, and blown away (v. 4). The path you walk determines the fruit you bear and the future you face. One ends in blessing and eternal life. The other ends in judgment and loss.

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A PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the clarity of Your Word that lights the path before us.

In a world filled with noise and distraction, help me to hear Your voice clearly and choose the narrow way that leads to life.

Guard my heart from the allure of the broad road that ends in ruin.

Make me like a tree planted by streams of water—rooted, nourished, and fruitful.

May I delight in Your Word and walk in Your ways, even when the path is hard and lonely.

I choose to follow Jesus — the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Strengthen me daily to walk the road of righteousness with joy and courage.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.