Arguably the best quote from author J.K. Rowling’s, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, her fourth book in the series, is a quote from Albus Dumbledore, which says,
“Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.”
Before anyone gets bent out of shape by my quoting a secular work of fiction, let me remind you that the Apostle Paul did the same at Mars Hill in Athens when He quoted two separate Greek poets, Epimenides and Aratus, respectively (see Acts 17:28).
Paul quoted secular writers because what they said contained truth, whether the authors realized it or not. The same can be said for the truth the Rowling penned in her fiction, whether she realized it or not.
Her quote is one that is true for all Christians in all ages in varying degrees of severity. As we observe the world around us, things are not getting progressively better, but just the opposite is true. Despite human invention and ingenuity being at an all-time high in many regards, human morality is as it has ever been. The ancient words of Solomon are still true,
Ecclesiastes 1:9, 9 That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
And followers of God in all ages have had to face multiple choices between what is right and what is easy. The trouble is that the human default is to do whatever is easiest and the high calling of God is to reject the easy. Jesus warned us against the easy path in Matthew 7:13-14,
13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
What does it look like to choose the right over the easy? Or as Jesus puts it, the narrow way over the broad way? Most applicable to my daily life, it means I sometimes have to say no to things in order to honor God.
I should certainly reject anything sinful, that’s obvious. But it also means that I should also make all of my decisions very carefully, with God’s glory in mind. When you behave this way, you will face repercussions. When you do, hold on to Matthew 5:12 –
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
For our good and His glory!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
