That's the way it is when we fall in love with Jesus. The attractions of the broad way of the world lose their appeal in the much more fulfilling journey on the narrow road.

Have you made that decision? No one else can make it for you. That choice which influences other choices along the way ultimately determines your destiny.

Having been born and raised in Texas, I have always had a special fondness for the Alamo in San Antonio. It was in that old Spanish Mission in 1836 that a volunteer band of 182 patriots fought and died for what they believed. Surrounded for thirteen days by the Mexican army, numbering 5,000 men, the Texans were under attack. During a lull in the bombardment, William B. Travis, the commander, called his men together and explained their hopeless military position and that the only way to save themselves would be to surrender. However, there was the possibility that at night individuals might slip through the enemy lines, and he would understand if someone chose to leave. Unsheathing his sword, placing its point to the earth, he walked in front of his battle weary men until a line was drawn in the sand. Then in a voice trembling with emotion, he said, "Those prepared to give their lives in freedom's cause, come over to me."

Without hesitation every man, save one, crossed the line. James Bowie, too sick to walk, asked that he be carried over on his cot.

In the early pre-dawn hours of March 6, with bugles sounding the dreaded "Dequello" (no quarter to the defenders), columns of Mexican soldiers attacked from all directions. The Texans fought off the first attack, and the second, but the third assault breached the north wall and the Mexican troops poured into the Alamo compound. In furious hand-to-hand combat, the Texans fought until every able-bodied soldier had bathed the earth with his blood. Only a few women and children and two Black slaves were spared.4

That's why the cry, "Remember the Alamo" became the cry of Texas' independence. The line had been drawn and now every person who lived in the territory had to choose which side they were on. No longer could they be neutral. Everyone had to make a decision — to stand with Texas or with Mexico.

In an infinitely greater way, God has drawn a line across the conscience of every person. It's a line drawn with an old rugged cross clearly delineating the choice each of us has to make — to go with the crowd on the broad road or take the narrow trail of the cross and follow Jesus. You cannot have it both ways. Finally, for each one of us it's either the world or it's Christ. What is your decision?

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Robert Coleman is Distinguished Professor of Discipleship and Evangelism at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA.

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NOTES
1. Quoted by Luis Palau, Everything You've Longed For (Doubleday, 2002)pp. 77,78.
2. Chicago Sun Times, August 6, 1962, p. 112.
3. Midnight, May 7, 1973, p.14.
4. Taken from "The Story of the Alamo," a folder prepared by The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and available to visitors at the Alamo.