The Rules of the Path

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7)

This two statements are both well-known but not often read together.  Rules.  What are they for? Are they steps to blessing? Do or die? The path to guide us?   Few find the path.  Many decide another way is more advantageous or fulfilling.  God does not intend for His "rules" to afflict us, but to guide us to peace, to life, to Him.  The first statement helps us put things in perspective.  If the rules are all about us, we are missing the path. The "rules" will guide us to think about others too.  The path is not to be walked alone.