A B.R.A.W.D. Perspective on the Narrow Way
Yes, it’s true that christian believers are often branded as narrow-minded people, and to some extent it has to be so, since we follow the One who’s claim is that he is the way, the truth and the life, and nobody can come to the Father except thru him (John 14:6). So without apology, we are on the narrow way, but that doesn’t mean our perspective need be narrow. Just the opposite, tho it seems many are sadly unaware, we have every reason to be wildly imaginative in our creativity, in our hopes and dreams, and also in the understanding of our faith as we live it out here in this life.
Let me explain my b.r.a.w.d. perspective as I see it from the scriptures, and from the experience of many a noble-hearted saint from the Bible record and since that time. To me, these are some of the key elements of the faith that many are missing.
B is for beauty. David said that the one thing he desired above all was to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, the epitome of beauty, the designer of all that is stunningly beautiful in this world and universe (starry skies, moonlit nights, sunsets over the ocean, horses on the plain, wind over a field of wheat, a child’s smile, a lover’s kiss, all reflections of this awesome, sovereign, creator God. We need beauty, often. We don’t fare well without it. It seems God knew that when he created the universe. Isaiah 61:3 says He has given us a crown of beauty for ashes. Beauty is a crucial part of our experience as followers of Christ.
R is for romance. Every beautiful and lasting romantic relationship between a man and a woman in this world, has been but a pale reflection of a greater, eternal, sacred romance between God and his people. Paul says in Ephesians 5:32, that the relationship he’s decribing between husband and wife, is a profound mystery, but that’s he’s talking about Christ and the church. What a completely joyful surprise to discover that what God is offering us, and inviting us to, is almost unbelievably to fall in love with Him. Imagine being in love with God, and this touching the deepest parts of your being, satisfying (only partly now) the deepest cry of the human heart, any heart, anywhere…to love and be loved. Christianity is first and foremost a sacred romance.
A is for adventure. Following Christ is not for the tame of heart, or for those looking for an easier way. The easy way is usually the wrong way. He is not an easy lover. To love and follow him will require all your heart, courage and perseverance. This is afterall, the greatest love story of all time, and think about how Christ demomstrated his love to us, so you know there will be drama and adventure on our part. We don’t get a cruisy ride thru this life on the narrow road. In fact it’s filled with thrills and spills, but we do get home if we don’t give up. So hold on tight and embrace the adventure.
W is for wonder. One of the wonderful things Christ accomplished for us at the cross was not only forgivness but restoration. This life has turned many a soul synical and skeptical. We didn’t start out that way. We entered this life’s journey with a sense of wonder and excitement, and now as I take my journey of faith, I am rediscovering the childlike wonder, the awe and intrigue of this epic tale I’ve been caught up into. There is much wonder if we have the eyes to see.
D is for danger. You knew it couldn’t all be fun, didn’t you? This journey we take as followers of Christ is not suburban and predictable. It is often wild frontier, and there are many dangers, trials and snares as the old hymn states. Of course there wouldn’t be adventure if it wasn’t dangerous. We must be alert, sharp, and keenly aware of it. We have an enemy, a villain as any good story does, and he’s out to steal, kill, destroy (John 10:10). I am not encouraging you to pretend as if, or imagine that you have an dastardly, dark enemy who’s out to get you. I’m imploring you to realize that you do. Live as if all these other elements: beauty, romance, adventure, and wonder, that are yours in Christ, are under threat of being lost and stolen, along with all you hold dear, knowing you must abide in Christ daily, and be on guard, fighting for them, for yourself and for those around you, as you are called to fight. This is a dangerous quest we are on.
