I know this sounds rather simple, but when it comes to choices, we can either do what is difficult or we can choose to do what is easy. I am not saying that taking the easy way is always trouble-free or effortless, but doing so tends to keep us rather stress free, out of immediate trouble, and potentially provides a better chance for us to remain somewhat pain free. In other words, taking the least difficult path may give us some instant comfort, but it certainly does not help us to grow.
Although the least difficult path may seem like a somewhat rewarding way, is it the correct path for us to take? And no, I am not saying that we should never take an easy way as long as it is the right choice, but constantly taking the easy way may keep us stuck in our rut which can and does hinder our growth.
I am also not saying that we should always take the difficult way, but doing so places challenges in our path, which actually does help us grow and learn. Taking the difficult way certainly can increase the chances for greater consequences, but there is also the potential to create opportunities for greater rewards.
We read in our Bibles of those who took the easy way, but also those who chose the difficult path, even if it cost them their lives.
Matthew 14:1-8 NKJV
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
We also read and believe that Jesus did not take the easy way, in that He gave His life for us.
Acts 2:22-24 NKJV
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know–23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
No matter which choices in life we make, we must choose our path wisely. When compared to the eternal reward, the eternal consequences are just too great to take the “easy” way.
Matthew 7:13-14
13 “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. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.