Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," no doubt one of the most familiar poems, closes with these poignant words. The choices we make in determining direction in our lives make all the difference.

I recently read The Choice by Greg G. Hoag, R. Scott Rodin and Wesley K. Willmer, in which they describe the divergence of two roads and the significant differences resulting from that choice.

Their first road, the one more traveled, they call the Common Path. In it success is defined in terms of results, which are commonly linked to levels of growth and expansion, measuring the results with regular reports on a myriad of metrics. More quantitative than qualitative. The characteristics of this path are: production-driven leadership, expansion-focused strategies, earthly-oriented metrics, results-based management and a utilitarian view of resources.

Their second road, the one less traveled, they call the Kingdom Path. In it success is defined in terms of our obedience to Jesus. On this path our attention shifts from what we are doing for God to what God asks us to do and wants to accomplish through us. More qualitative than quantitative. The characteristics of this path are: steward leadership, faithfulness-focused strategies, eternity-oriented metrics, relationship-based management and a stewardship view of resources.

The point of this brief description of the book is not to sell the book. It is to cause us to pause and think of which path we are on. Are we more production oriented or more obedience oriented? Are we comfortable on the Common Path or committed to the Kingdom Path?

Two roads diverged in my life, and I,

I took. . . .