“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…”

Okay, I won’t be that cliché with you. (Sorry, Frost!) However, it often does feel as though, on the narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14), I am often forced to choose between two roads. 

One of the focuses in this past Sunday’s sermon was Romans 8. That chapter is so full of wisdom, it deserves its own blog post. However, the part that stuck out during this particular sermon was about being either carnally or spiritually minded:

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Clearly, in light of this comparison, any logical person would prefer to be spiritually minded. (Life and peace for the win!) But it’s never that easy – it’s simple, but not easy. Simple does not always mean easy; in fact, in Christianity, simplicity can be a challenge. Paul even wrote to the church at Corinth, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬). Jesus is the simplest foundational truth, but sometimes it seems so hard to live in light of that truth. 

I struggle with focusing on my present struggles and temporary wants, so that I forget to be heavenly-minded. My mindset will shift from wanting to sell all I have and live in radical abandon, to thinking about how badly I want to buy some new shoes and more trendy clothes. Is the division as obvious as it is in my mind? I’m either storing up heavenly treasures or earthly treasures. Unfortunately, for the most part, I’m doing the latter. 

I feel like I’m rambling! Haha. I need to focus. My point is that I’m constantly battling between which path I’ll choose. In thought, the obvious choice is to pursue what will last – that is, to be spiritually minded and live radically for Christ. My job does not matter. My rent does not matter. Keeping up with trends does not matter. All of these things will pass away. I should rather invest in people, love others, and share the Good News.

I delve through these thoughts as I face a decision, hence the title of this post. I have been presented with an opportunity to pursue a new path. Is it God’s will for my life? Will I choose to be spiritually minded if it is His will? Only time will tell. I invite you to join me in praying about this decision. It’s only His will that I seek!

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” -Romans 12:2