The Battle of the Crossroads

Long before he took a single step upon the King’s Way, Sir Constant dreamed of it.

From the high windows of the warden’s castle, he watched brave men ride by—royal messengers and knights sworn to the King—bound for the City Beyond the Hills. Their armor caught the sun. Their banners whispered of glory. And something deep within the boy stirred.

“The Service wooed him strongly,” the story says, “so that he dreamed night and day of great deeds for a great sovereign.”

He could not yet name it, but the desire was there—a quiet ache to serve, to stand, to fight not for self, but for something far greater. And though he said, “I know myself ill-fitted for an enterprise so high,” his guardian, Sir Fortis, only smiled.

“Which of us all is worthy? Yet who is there that may not be made worthy?”

That is where every true journey begins. Not with strength, but with longing. Not with skill, but with surrender. The way of the King is not won by might, but by devotion. It is not the strongest who walk the Splendid Way, but those who trust the One who walks it with them.

So Constant knelt, as countless others had knelt before him. He placed his hand on the sword and pledged his life to the King. And then—he looked.

And what he saw nearly broke his courage.

The Way was not straight. It wound through sorrowful valleys and shadowed forests. It rose to lonely heights where a man walked utterly alone. It passed by the glint of enemy swords and the brink of perilous cliffs. And at the end—no shining gates. No City Splendid. Only mist. Only silence.

A voice whispered: “Return and save thyself. The door stands open still.”

But Constant did not turn back.

He gripped the hilt and pressed it to his chest. And in that moment, the voice that had once spoken for him returned:

“Be strong and fear nothing. In the King’s Name thou canst do all.”

Then came the vision—not of ease, but of glory. Not the glory of men, but of faithfulness. A traveler walked the Way ahead, shield on his arm, face set toward the Eastward Hills. And though the road was hard, a strange light followed him. It shimmered not from the sun, but from unseen footprints beside his own.

The King Himself walked with him.

So begins the journey of every disciple. The call is not to ease, but to faithfulness. Not to comfort, but to courage. It is the call of every man who dreams of doing great deeds for a Great King.

And now, as it was then, the road still stands before us.

Narrow. Winding. Splendid.

Will you take the first step?

Every man comes to the crossroads. A place where one path calls to ease, pleasure, and popularity—and another beckons with purpose, pain, and promise. The first path looks smooth and well-traveled. The second? Winding, narrow, and steep.

Sir Knight of the Splendid Way by W. E. Cule is a Christian allegory in the tradition of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Written in the early 20th century, it blends medieval adventure with deep spiritual symbolism, following a young knight named Sir Constant on a journey filled with trials, enemies, and choices that mirror the path of Christian discipleship.

This is not just a fairy tale—it is a manual for spiritual warfare, written in the language of chivalry and devotion. Each chapter offers timeless insights for men who desire to walk faithfully and courageously in service to the Great King.

In Chapter 1 of Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, the young Sir Constant is brought to that very place of decision: Do I take the easier path? Do I take the path most people are taking? Or do I risk taking the harder path?

That’s when the real battle begins—not against an enemy, but within the heart. This is The Battle of the Crossroads—the decision every man must face: Will I live for ease, or will I live for honor?

Choosing the King’s Way

Sir Constant’s decision to take the narrow path in Sir Knight of the Splendid Way mirrors one of the most sobering teachings Jesus ever gave—found in Matthew 7:13–23. Jesus speaks of two gates, two paths, two types of travelers, and two destinations. One way is wide and popular; the other is narrow and hard. One ends in destruction, the other in life.

I. There Is a False Road

“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.” — Matthew 7:13

In Jesus’ day, Jerusalem’s gates varied—some wide and grand, others narrow and difficult to pass through. The broad gates were easier and more comfortable, often leading to markets or popular thoroughfares. The narrow gates were harder to access, built for defense, and less frequented. His listeners knew what He meant.

The wide gate is appealing. It welcomes the majority. It asks little. It promises much. It offers the comfort of conformity.
But it leads to destruction. It is the broad way, the path of least resistance.

Many walk this road because it costs them nothing upfront. It lets them spend their money on themselves, stay home rather than serve, and avoid sacrifice or self-discipline. It’s the default path of the world, and many churches today echo its message: “Believe, be blessed, feel good.” But Jesus says plainly: the majority are not on the road to life.

The path to life is narrow, steep, and rocky. It is “strait” (KJV)—meaning hard, demanding, and uphill. Jesus’ original audience may have thought of the road from Jericho to Jerusalem—a treacherous, uphill path known for bandits and difficulty.

Few will find this path because few are looking for it. Even fewer will stay on it once they see the cost.

II. There Are False Guides

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

Sir Constant had to choose his road carefully. But many modern men let others choose their road for them. And some of those guides—whether pastors, influencers, or authors—are wolves in shepherd’s clothing.

False teachers don’t look evil. They sound warm, insightful, affirming. But if their teaching doesn’t point men to obedience to the King’s will, it leads to ruin.

There are those today who give credit to false teachers… But if their teachings are going to send people to hell, what difference does it make if they do some good deeds?

Jesus tells us to inspect the fruit, not just admire the appearance. Grapes don’t grow from thorns. Good teachers produce obedience, truth, and love for God’s will. Bad teachers—no matter how nice—produce confusion, compromise, and comfort without cross-bearing.

We live in an age of endless voices. Podcasts, reels, sermons, quotes, and soundbites—everyone has advice. But Jesus says to beware. Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), and even the elect can be deceived if they’re not grounded in truth (Matthew 24:24).

Men must become fruit inspectors. Ask:

• Does this teaching line up with Scripture?
• Does it lead me to obey God or justify my laziness?
• Does it make the narrow way feel optional?

III. There Are False Disciples

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21

Perhaps the most chilling part of Jesus’ message is this: not all who claim Christ truly follow Him. Some perform miracles, preach sermons, and cast out demons in His name—yet Jesus says, “I never knew you.”

This isn’t about sincerity. These people were convinced they were serving God. But good intentions without obedience are not enough. The King’s road has a King’s will—and if you’re not doing the Father’s will, you’re not on the road at all.

There’s only one way—the will of the Father. That includes:

• Teaching the truth
• Bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
• Doing works of service not to earn grace, but in response to grace

This isn’t legalism. It’s allegiance. If Jesus is your Lord, you don’t just say the words—you follow the orders. Faith without obedience is hollow (James 2:17).

Choose Your Road

Sir Constant doesn’t hesitate. He has sworn allegiance to the King, and that oath is more important than comfort.

“And Constant knew that the narrow road was the one which he must take. For he had sworn to serve the King.”

This is the kind of resolution every Christian man must make. The Splendid Way may be hard—but it’s worth it.

Manhood in a World of Easy Roads

We live in a culture where the wide road is not just available—it’s paved with applause.

The message to men today is loud and relentless:

• “Do what feels good.”
• “Chase your dream, not your duty.”
• “Put yourself first.”

It’s the gospel of ease. The religion of comfort. And it’s a false road.

Men are told that they can be kings without sacrifice, leaders without service, and heroes without hardship. But Jesus—and Sir Constant—tell us otherwise. There is no crown without a cross.

False Joy vs. Real Joy

In Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, the easier road leads to the City of the Golden Gate—a dazzling place filled with laughter, music, and false joy. But beneath the surface lies ruin and regret.

That’s how sin works. It doesn’t appear with fangs and fire. It appears with music and mead. It tells you:

• “Take the promotion even if it kills your time with your kids.”
• “Why fight for your marriage when starting over is easier?”
• “Don’t open your Bible—you deserve to rest tonight.”
• “It’s just a little porn. It’s not hurting anyone.”

But every time a man chooses ease over effort, indulgence over integrity, he walks toward destruction.

Christianity Demands Discipline

Following Christ is not for the soft-hearted or self-indulgent. It requires:

• Self-denial (Luke 9:23)
• Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
• Spiritual training (1 Timothy 4:7–8)

It’s easier to buy the new gadget than to give to the work of the church.
It’s easier to numb out on screens than to spend quiet time with your kids.
It’s easier to coast than to grow.

But manhood—real manhood—is found in the hard places. On the narrow road. Where strength is forged in fire.

“Ease has a cost: it steals greatness before it can even grow.”

Choose Impact Over Image

The wide road is full of men chasing image—carefully curating their brand, their social media presence, their public life. But the narrow road calls men to impact—serving faithfully behind the scenes, even when no one applauds.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to be seen as godly, or actually be godly?
• Do I want to be comfortable, or useful to the King?
• Do I want success in the world, or significance in eternity?

Sir Constant did not choose the Splendid Way to impress the world. He chose it to honor the King. That’s what true manhood looks like: allegiance over applause.

Stand at the Crossroads Like a Knight

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.’” — Jeremiah 6:16

We are standing at the crossroads every single day—at work, at home, in secret.
The wide road is always there. But the narrow road is where the battle is won.

You will be tired. You will be tested. But remember: the Splendid Way is steep because it leads to glory. And your King walks before you.

“Many go the easy road, but only a few walk the Splendid Way.”
– W. E. Cule

Choose that way.

Fighting the Battle of the Crossroads in Real Life

Every man must face the crossroads—not once, but again and again. Choosing the King’s Way isn’t just a one-time decision at baptism or a spiritual high at a men’s retreat. It’s a battle fought daily in the trenches of real life.

The Splendid Way is steep. It’s slow. It’s narrow. And most of the world—including many professing believers—will take the other road. But a man of God is called to swear allegiance to the King and to walk the hard path that leads to life.

Here are four battle-tested ways to engage this call:

1. Recognize the Crossroads in Your Life

You may not see a signpost in the ground, but the crossroads show up in:

• How you spend your paycheck
• Whether you apologize or hold a grudge
• If you read the Word or reach for your phone
• Whether you fight for your marriage or settle for distraction
• When you speak up for truth or stay silent out of comfort

Action Step:
Name your current crossroads. Write it down in a journal or say it out loud to a friend or mentor. “Here’s where I’m tempted to take the easy path…”

Bringing it into the light is how you begin to fight.

2. Renew Your Allegiance to the King

Sir Constant didn’t choose the steep path because it was appealing—he chose it because he had made a vow. The same is true for us.

You made that vow in baptism. You confessed Jesus as Lord. Are you still keeping that oath?

Action Step: Take five minutes today to reaffirm your allegiance in prayer. Then, go do something today that proves it.

3. Discipline Your Body for the Journey

The narrow way is not for the undisciplined. If you wait to feel motivated, you’ll never follow through. The truth is: your body and soul must be trained for this kind of walk.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” — 1 Timothy 4:7

Action Step:
Choose one hard-but-holy habit this week.

• Wake up 30 minutes early to pray
• Say no to fast food and cook for your family
• Set a screen time limit and replace it with the Word

Pick one. Start now. The road gets easier when your legs are strong.

4. Walk with Brothers on the Road

Even Sir Constant wasn’t entirely alone. Companions, guides, and messengers from the King crossed his path and encouraged him. You weren’t made to fight these battles solo.

“Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

Action Step:
Join a band of brothers—a men’s Bible study, a prayer group, or a few trusted friends who are also walking the King’s Way. Share your crossroads with them. Let them hold you accountable.

If you don’t have a group, start one. One invitation could change your life.

Final Challenge: This Week’s Battle

Ask yourself each morning:
“What is the hard road today, and how can I walk it for the King?”

And then ask yourself each evening:
“Did I walk it? Did I stay on the Splendid Way?”

You won’t walk it perfectly. But walk it honestly. Walk it faithfully. And know this:

“The King knows His own. He walks the road before you. And when you reach the end, you will find that the narrow path has become the Splendid Way.”

Challenge: This Week’s Battle

Write down a decision you’re currently facing—or a daily discipline that tempts you toward ease. Pray over it. Then make the hard, holy choice.
Share it with a brother. Walk the road together.

“And he set his face toward the steep way… for he had sworn allegiance to the King.”

You’re not alone on the road. You walk in the steps of those who chose wisely—and the King Himself walks with you.

By Jeremy Sprouse

Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX and is the author of To Train Up a Knight.