I was staying at a Hilton Hotel in another city not too long ago. This was my first time to stay at this particular Hilton. It was early in the morning. I needed to eat an early breakfast and hit the road. So I stumbled out of bed, got dressed, and walked down the hall for the elevator.
A nearby sign said “Elevator,” so I pushed the button and waited a few seconds. The doors opened and I went inside and the doors closed. I pressed “G,” then looked around. It was the most beat-up elevator I have ever been on. The walls were all scratched and scarred. The lighting was dark. The wooden floor was unsettling. It creaked. Seriously, it reminded me of the elevator at the “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” at Disney World. I thought to myself that the hotel really needs to upgrade this elevator.
The elevator descended and the doors opened. I walked out into a somewhat dark room that had exposed pipes and work equipment on tables. I said out loud, “Where am I?” The front desk wasn’t there. The lobby was no where to be found. I couldn’t even find an exit door. So, having seen way too many horror movies, I pressed the elevator button quickly many times . . . and went back to the 9th floor. It was then I realized that I had mistakenly taken the service elevator. Taking the wrong elevator can make a big difference!
You know, in the same way, taking the wrong path in life can lead us down some dark roads.
I am so thankful that Jesus said, “I am the way.” (John 14:6) I don’t know about you, but I am going to follow him. I sure can’t find the way on my own.