Make the Way Smoother

Once upon a time, long ago a king had a highway built for his subjects. After it was completed, but the day before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway best on the day before its official opening.

On the announced day, several people showed up. Some were in chariots, harnessed to great horses; others were on horseback. Some came in light clothing, prepared to run. Others had on thick sandals, planning to walk the new highway. People traveled the highway all day.

During the day, the king had positioned himself at the end of the section of road used for the contest. Each subject remarked to the king what a superb highway it was and how much the people in the kingdom would use it. However, they all had one and the same complaint: there was a large pile of debris and rocks left in the middle of the highway at one spot. This was an obstacle that caused them to leave the highway for a short distance and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day an older man – the last contestant – approached the king. He looked weary and explained to the king, “I stopped along the way to clear a pile of debris and rocks off the new highway. I knew this would make travel easier for the public tomorrow. That is why I am last to finish the contest. But while clearing the debris I found a bag of gold. The bag of gold was under all the debris. Please return it to the rightful owner.” The King became excited and declared, “You are now the rightful owner of the gold. You have earned it – for the one who makes the highway smoother for those who follow is the one who travels the highway best.”

Galatians 6:7 states, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Making the road smoother for those who follow is one of the great purposes of life. When we help others, God is pleased. When we bless others, it displays a selfless, Christlike attitude. This attitude is what we are told to cultivate: “Let this mind (attitude) be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).

As you travel the highway of life, make sure you make the way smoother for those who follow.