Title: Following Jesus on the High Road in a Low Road World
Text: (Matt. 7:13-14) “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Introduction: In a world where shortcuts, self-interest, and moral compromise often seem to pave the way to success, following Jesus means choosing a different path. Our text describes two distinct routes one can travel:
1.) The broad, easy road V13
2.) The narrow, more challenging one v 14
Embracing the way of Christ inevitably leads us to the “high road”—a path of integrity, love, and righteousness—while many around us journey on the “low road” of expedience, selfish ambition, and fleeting gain.
"The high road is often steep and narrow, but it leads to vistas of peace, integrity, and the satisfaction of knowing you stood for what is right, even when it wasn’t easy."
Here Are Four Truths About Taking the High Road:
1. Taking the high road begins with transformation of the heart: The Apostle Paul encourages believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This renewal enables us to see beyond the surface of worldly values and aim for something deeper. Rather than chasing applause, comfort, or material prosperity, we strive to please God. This involves committing ourselves to truth and justice, even when deception and manipulation might offer quicker results.
The Problem With Worldly Standards:
• Shifting Standards_-Worldly values are often rooted in societal trends and personal preferences, which change over time. This leads to an unstable foundation for decision-making, creating confusion and inconsistency in moral and ethical choices.
• Self-Centered Focus- Worldly values often prioritize personal gain, success, or pleasure above all else, fostering selfishness and a disregard for others' well-being. This can damage relationships and leave individuals feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
• Temporary Fulfillment- The pursuit of worldly achievements and possessions may bring momentary satisfaction, but it fails to address deeper spiritual needs, leaving people feeling empty and searching for lasting purpose and meaning.
• Conflict with God’s Principles-Worldly values frequently contradict biblical teachings, leading to decisions that can separate individuals from God’s will. This creates spiritual dissonance and hinders the development of a closer relationship with Him.
Sermon Illustration: "The Shiny Boat"
Imagine you're walking along a dock and you see a brand-new, gleaming boat tied to the pier. It's stunning—polished to perfection, with all the latest gadgets and equipment. A sign on it reads: “Take me for a spin—no cost!”
Excited, you climb aboard, start the engine, and set off. At first, it's exhilarating. The sun is shining, the water is smooth, and you’re cruising effortlessly. But then, as you head further out, you notice the boat is slowing down. You try to adjust the controls, but they don’t respond. The engine sputters. Finally, it stops.
Frustrated, you look around and realize something horrifying: the boat has no anchor, no paddles, and no map. Worse still, the currents are pulling you further out to sea.
This is what it’s like to live with worldly values. At first, they seem appealing—shiny, easy, and free. They promise excitement, freedom, and fulfillment. But as you journey further, you realize they lack the foundation to sustain you. When life’s storms hit, worldly values offer no anchor to steady you, no direction to guide you, and no power to rescue you.
Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 7:26-27: "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Worldly values are like that shiny boat—they may look good, but they’ll leave you stranded when you need stability the most. The only way to navigate life’s waters is by building on the solid foundation of God’s Word. Unlike the fleeting promises of the world, His truth is timeless, reliable, and able to guide us safely to our eternal home.
So, the next time the world offers you a "shiny boat," remember: not everything that glitters is gold. Choose God’s path, not the world’s current.
2. Following Jesus also means embracing a radically different ethic in our relationships: Where the low road suggests exacting vengeance for every wrong, Christ calls us to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). These commands challenge natural inclinations, demanding that we respond to evil not with anger or retaliation, but with grace, prayer, and sincere goodwill. This high-road approach upends the world’s expectation that strength is shown through dominance. Instead, we find true strength in mercy, forgiveness, and resilience.
3. One of the clearest expressions of the high road is seen in the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Practicing these virtues stands in stark contrast to a culture that often prizes aggression, impatience, and self-promotion. Kindness and gentleness, especially, set us apart as followers of Jesus who do not escalate conflict but bring calm. In a low road world that encourages “looking out for number one,” living by the Spirit’s fruit demonstrates that we trust God’s sovereignty and His ways.
4. Following Jesus on the high road forces us to rethink success:
* Instead of measuring life by wealth, status, or influence, we measure it by obedience to God’s commands and conformity to Christ’s image. Jesus modeled sacrificial love through the cross—a path of suffering, humility, and obedience rather than comfort or earthly acclaim (Philippians 2:5–8).
* As His disciples, we understand that the high road may not yield immediate rewards or praise. Yet we walk it in faith, believing that “our labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The reward may be less tangible at first, but it is far more enduring: inner peace, eternal hope, and a legacy of integrity and love.
Real success in the Christian life is not measured by worldly standards like wealth, status, or fame. Instead, it is defined by a life that reflects faithfulness to God, obedience to His Word, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Here are the marks of real success in the Christian life:
1.) Faithfulness to God: True success is staying committed to God in all circumstances. It involves living a life that prioritizes a relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Faithfulness means trusting God even when the path is difficult.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)
2.) Spiritual Fruitfulness: The evidence of a successful Christian life is the fruit of the Spirit—character traits that reflect Christ's work in us. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
3.) Impact on Others: True success involves loving others and making a positive impact for Christ. This can include sharing the gospel, encouraging others in their faith, and serving those in need. A successful Christian life leaves a legacy of godly influence.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)
4.) Perseverance in Trials: A successful Christian endures challenges with faith and trust in God. Trials refine and strengthen our faith, drawing us closer to God and building character.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Sermon Illustration: "The Ladder on the Right Wall"
Imagine a man working tirelessly to climb a ladder. Day and night, he toils, moving up one rung at a time, pouring his energy into the climb. After years of effort, he finally reaches the top—and only then does he look around and realize his ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.
That’s how many people define success. They strive, sacrifice, and achieve, only to discover they’ve been chasing the wrong goal. Their ladder was leaning on the wall of wealth, fame, or status. When they finally get there, it feels empty because they’ve neglected what matters most.
True success isn’t about climbing the world’s ladders—it’s about making sure your ladder is leaning against the wall God built for your life. The right wall is grounded in faithfulness to God, loving others, and pursuing eternal priorities.
Jesus puts it plainly in Mark 8:36: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"
The ladder leaning on God’s wall might not seem as glamorous to the world. It might involve humility, sacrifice, and unseen acts of love. But at the end of the climb, you’ll find not emptiness but joy, fulfillment, and the words every believer longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
The question isn’t how fast you’re climbing; the question is whether you’re climbing the right ladder. So, take a moment today to step back, look up, and ask, "Am I pursuing what truly matters to God?" Because real success is not in reaching the top but in standing where God wants you to be.
Application:
"In choosing the high road Jesus walked, we exchange momentary ease for eternal purpose, discovering along the way that His way—though steeper—is the path of true peace, grace, and enduring hope."
