In the English language there is the expression “staying on the straight and narrow.” It’s often understood to mean sticking to moral principles rather than indulging in unethical and immoral behavior. It is said to come from the passage in the Gospel of Matthew where Christ Jesus says: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (7:13, 14).
Through my study of Christian Science, I find that endeavoring to stay on this path brings protection and joy, not a sense of burden. On a recent cross-country trip, I found new relevance for that Bible passage.
I was traveling by car on an interstate highway, intending to stay on that route over the next few days. Driving through the countryside was enjoyable and stress-free; but when I came to urban areas, a barrage of signs appeared above the freeways, announcing upcoming connections to other routes. Sometimes the original interstate route sign was nowhere to be seen, and fear and frustration would set in, tempting me to feel that I had gotten off on the wrong road.
