This is the narrow path.

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1 Corinthians 10:32-33
32
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-
33
even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

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I had twenty minutes to wait for a meeting today at a person's home. So I stopped in at the local convenience store, got a small coffee and went back outside.

I got into a conversation with a colorful character. He was placed in front of me.

The conversation went directly into beliefs. He spoke of Karma and he spoke of Murphy's law. I spoke of our daily bread of suffereance and trials, and I spoke of treating others as you would have yourself be treated. He then spoke of
hypocrisy in Christians and the lack of generosity in others that has brought nothing but destruction to our communities and nation. I spoke of kindness and love and patience as fruits of the Holy Spirit that come through us all, but that very few believe it is coming through them, but instead believe it is because of their character.

We continued to display our beliefs. And as he spoke of Satan 'at least owning his position', I spoke of the truth being God is in all things and it is our choices that determine our outcomes. The peace that was upon me was only equal to the emotional erratic behaviour of this passionate soul. We left, the both of us, almost bonded in some formal way. We had learned something from one another, possibly; that we could find room for each other. He saw it as a way for him to understand himself. I saw it as a way for me to see holiness work through me for the sake of another.

Many of us, at some point in our path, take pride in our beliefs, and in that pride, not only do we boast, but we create an envy in those we sense will listen. It is a human trait to position ourselves. This is not holy, this is not serving.

Paul boasted, yes. But Paul boasted about:

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2 Corinthians 12:9
9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

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Paul boasted about his weaknesses. Not his sins, or habits. No, Paul boasted about what he personally struggled with that stood in between him and properly serving the truth upon him. Pride, likely, as he was raises to become a reknown Pharisee, of blood and water. He had to set aside his learned understanding of righteousness, and give it over humbly to the Father, (whom we know is alone in righteousness).

So when I was chatting and listening to this soul in front of the convenience store, I was aware, awake, knowing that I wanted to in my pride, contest everything this man had to say. Not to defend Christ or his teachings, no. I wanted to as a human being let my pride created envy in this man, to let him see me as my pride wants to believe God sees me. But, my faithfulness paid off in my weakness ans the truth that the Holy Spirit works through me, saved me. Had I reacted in a self righteous manor, I would have failed that man amd my Lord as well as myself.

So, we do not cause others, anyone to stumble. And the only way we can accomplish this in anything placed in front of us, is by honoring the Father, and acknowledging His Spirit of Truth is what acts through us. It is humbling, and in that, we stand sincere. The kingdom of heaven bears fruits that either we claim are from us, or we celebrate they are of God.

This is the narrow path.