_Two Ways_. There are just two ways in this world along which men may
walk, and they are not parallel ways. I used to have that idea, but I
am sure it is wrong. As a matter of fact, it is but one way; going in
one direction is death, and in the opposite direction is life.
First: Away from God, away from his love, every step only leads us
farther from Him--not because of anything he is, but because of what we
have done ourselves.
A father in the South sent his boy to a northern university, and for
seven years he was away from the restraints of his home. Then he came
back with his diploma but with the habit of intemperance fastened upon
him. It seemed impossible for him to break it, and his old father was
fairly crushed. His mother broke her heart and died, all because of
her boy. And yet the father loved him. One day the old father stepped
from his carriage in the town in which he lived. The son was heard to
make a request of him, and when evidently it was refused the boy turned
and struck him full in the face. The old father staggered and would
have fallen to the walk except for assistance. He entered his
carriage, drove back to his home, the servants saw him go out into the
grove where his wife was buried, throw himself on the grave and shriek
aloud. Some time later the boy returned and the father met him at the
door to say, "You must go away; you have disgraced my name and killed
your mother and broken my heart." This is the measure of a father's
love perhaps in this one instance, but think how many times you have
trifled with God, spurned his love, disregarded his Son, and yet he has
loved you. And remember also that word which says,
"There is a time, we know not when,
A place, we know not where,
That seals the destiny of men
For glory or despair."
Second: _Towards God_. How easy a thing it is, therefore, to be saved
if there is but one way and this way runs in opposite directions,
meaning either life or death. It is just to "right about face," as the
soldier would say, by an act of the will and with the help of God to
turn away from sin and from self. I am very sure we can do it, because
it is commanded in this text, and God would not mock us with a command
which could not be obeyed. I am equally sure that we must do it now,
for God has plainly stated this in his Word.