Straight and Narrow Path?

I have been taught my whole life about a mysterious straight and narrow path with an iron rod, we were taught as long as we hold on to the rod we could find our way up the path and avoid the mist of darkness that is always lurking just off the path. I understand the concept and in theory I accept it. The problem is that I have not seen a path or an iron rod to hang on to, it is all virtual and confusing.
So I decided to think of my goal of eternal reward is more like going up the down escalator, I can picture it and it makes sense to me, as long as I maintain the status quo as I am on the escalator, as long as I climb as fast as it tries to draw me backward I am safe, when I work harder and climb faster, I actually make progress and get closer the the top. As soon as I pause, or slow down it pulls me backwards toward the bottom. So whether you choose to hold on to the iron rod and follow the straight and narrow or if like me, you are more comfortable on escalators, as long as we keep moving forward we will make it to the top and receive our reward.