The Narrow Path: The Cost and Reward of Righteousness

“Temptation is inevitable, but resisting it requires a clear understanding of right and wrong, a commitment to God, and the courage to flee from situations that compromise integrity.”

Doing what’s right does not mean it will be easy. In fact, in the short term, it is often the opposite—you will find yourself in circumstances beyond your control, called upon to make painful sacrifices. Only over time may the difficult choices you made in righteousness bear fruit.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

This passage suggests that there are far more ways to go astray than to do what is right. The righteous path is difficult—one that few successfully walk. Yet, we often assume we are among the few, convinced that we clearly distinguish right from wrong.

How quickly we raise our voices in the name of justice, claiming to act from love and fairness. But in championing a cause, how much focus is placed on true justice, and how much on those who claim to be its loudest advocates? Do they genuinely seek to uplift the oppressed, or do they, under the guise of virtue, crave recognition and status?

Is it moral virtue to demand the downfall of others under the banner of justice? True righteousness seeks to elevate, not to tear down. A morality rooted in envy, weakness, and revenge is no morality at all—it is arrogance disguised as righteousness.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

How, then, do we distinguish true virtue from its counterfeit? By their fruits. True virtue is found in those who recognize that walking the straight and narrow is its own reward, requiring no applause.

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48)

Maturity brings responsibility. The more you are given—be it intelligence, wealth, talent, or influence—the greater your call to use it wisely. Responsibility begins with yourself: the discipline to wake with your alarm, to train your body, to pursue meaningful work. It extends to your family—offering a listening ear, showing up when it matters. It reaches your colleagues, your community, and beyond, forming a network of influence that stretches across generations.

Like in the Parable of the Talents, you are entrusted with gifts. The master gave one servant five talents, another two, and the last one—each according to their ability. The first two doubled their gifts and were rewarded, while the third, out of fear, buried his. His talent was taken and given to the one who had ten. The message is clear: you are called to use what you have, to grow it, and to serve others with it.

Success does not exempt you from trials. If anything, challenges often come alongside blessings. Integrity and faithfulness matter most when faced with difficulty.

Temptation takes many forms. It could be the urge to stay on the couch rather than keep your promise to train. The consequences of skipping one workout may seem insignificant, but extend that choice over a year, five years—what would the long-term effects be? Would you be as strong, as energetic, as confident?

And what about when no one else is watching? If you found yourself alone with someone in a committed relationship, would you betray what you know is right? If you led a team and were offered a lucrative deal that benefited you at their expense, would you take it?

Your character is not shaped by easy moments, but by the choices you make in adversity. Doing what is right will not always be rewarded, at least not immediately. It is far easier to hold lofty ideals than to live by them. At some point, we all fail to meet our own standards. You know the weight of turning your back on what is right—the pit in your stomach, the lingering shame and regret.

But failure is not the end. Redemption begins with humility—the courage to acknowledge where you have strayed. It requires facing the consequences of your choices and choosing, in each moment, to walk back toward the straight and narrow.

“Every dragon has its treasure, and every treasure its dragon.”

Trials and suffering test you at your weakest points. Transformation is not instantaneous but unfolds over a lifetime. This is no excuse for poor behavior, but an invitation to steady, deliberate growth.

To find the treasure while facing the dragon is to ask: What opportunity lies within this trial? How is this preparing me for greater responsibility? The truth is, without the dragons, there would be no treasures. Without the trials, you would not be who you are today.

Doing what is right will not come easily. It means facing your dragons, examining your motives, bearing the fruit of your labor, taking responsibility. And often, it means finding what is right through trial and error—stumbling, then standing again, returning to the straight and narrow.

The straight and narrow path is not walked by accident. It is a choice—one made every day, in the face of trials, temptations, and the weight of responsibility. Choose wisely, and let the fruits of your labor bear witness to the path you have walked.