This week at Heartland Church we are starting a new series called "The Alternative Lifestyle." The proposition of an "Alternative Lifestyle" suggests that there is another lifestyle that this is the alternative to. Each of us make decisions on a daily basis, both consciously and subconsciously, about how we are going to live our lives. And whether we realize it or not, our culture has a lot to say about what is the "normal", "acceptable" way to live. Many of us spend our lives trying to keep up with what is "normal," in the hopes that we can fit in, be accepted or even be popular and famous.

Scripture speaks to these life choices over and over again. The Bible often talks about what is considered a "normal" practice or way of thinking in the world but then offers an alternative way of thinking and acting for those who would follow after Jesus. Apparently, according to God, those who would be his followers should think and act differently from those around them. God offers an alternative to normal way of doing things and according to Jesus, it's this alternative lifestyle that leads to the abundant life he came to give, or as the NLT states, "a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:10)

There is one particular verse that has always struck me in this discussion about the choice to live a "normal life" like everyone around me or the "alternative life" God calls us to in Scripture.

Matthew 7:13-14
^"13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."


According to Jesus words in Matthew 7, the normal way of living (the broad path that everyone else is on) may be easier... and it may be more comfortable... and you may have a lot more friends on the journey... but it leads to one place, destruction. But the narrow path (the alternative way of living) although it may be more difficult... it may be more lonely... people may not understand you... but it leads to life!


So often we are so consumed with what feels good here and now that we forget about the final destination where our choices lead us. Think for a minute about what's "normal" today... stress, anxiety, busyness, being overworked, lonely, depressed, debt, brokenness, broken relationships, broken families, anger, bitterness, hatred, divorce... the list could go on and on. These are the destinations that pursuing a "normal" life has led us to. But Jesus offers us an alternative... peace, comfort, hope, joy, patience, love, acceptance, forgiveness, wholeness, healing... the list too could go on and on.


Which destination do you want to end up at? It's my hope that as we explore this alternative lifestyle over these next several weeks, that each of us would make a conscious choice to follow Jesus down the narrow path and begin to experience the fullness of life he came to give. Let His Kingdom come!

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