Through the Narrow Gate
“Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straightened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Matthew 7:13-14
“I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life that you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19
“And to this people you (Jeremiah) shall say, Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8
The Christian life is compared to entering a narrow gate and walking down a narrow path rather than the wide gate that leads to the spacious and broad path. The narrow path leads to life and the spacious path leads to destruction. There are many that enter through the wide, but few that enter the narrow.
I believe most people don’t find the narrow gate because they aren’t really seeking it. (“…If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him as your first and vital necessity] you will find Him…” 1 Chronicles 28:9) People look for easy ways to get through life. The wide gate is easy to see, there are crowds going through that gate, it’s where most of our friends are. The wide gate and the spacious path are great, we can carry all of our “stuff” with us on that path, and we don’t need to lay anything down. It feels comfortable, we can bring our luxuries with us, we can stop anytime we want to and for as long as we want to, there is no one to prompt us along on our journey. There is an element of control for the people on this path, it’s “every man for himself”, it’s okay to wear a mask and people aren’t expected to be accountable or responsible. To some this feels free!
I’m on the narrow path and it’s different. I had to look for it to find it, and I really had to choose this is the way I wanted to go. The first thing I noticed about the gate and the path is there’s not much room for baggage; I needed to lay down some of my “stuff” at the entrance. This path may not be real comfortable, it is a difficult path, I may fall, slip or slide, but the best part about it is there’s always someone to help me up. This path is not real crowded, but I found helpful people and fellowship.
If you decide to take this path, here are some of the things you may find difficult. Other people may not understand and may ridicule you. The road is not only narrow, but it winds around and you can’t see very far ahead, you don’t know what’s up there. It goes uphill; sometimes you go through water or fire; you may encounter a snake on the path; or a lion roaming around, trying to devour you. As you get further along on this path, you realize that it gets narrower and you continually have to lay things down and leave them behind. The odd thing is as you lay things down and leave them; you acquire different things in their place. Lay down impatience, you acquire patience; lay down pride, you get humbleness and meekness; lay down control, you get peace and joy; lay down judgmental thinking, and acquire acceptance and gentleness. There is a process of restoration, healing and redemption that occurs on this path. The new things you acquire are easy and light to carry not a burden. There’re many places to rest, you’re never alone Jesus walks with you, the Holy Spirit empowers you and God watches over you. There is safety here and no worry, and most of all you are loved.
The biggest difference in these two paths is where you end up. The wide path brings you to destruction and the narrow brings you to life. It is your choice–choose life!