Matthew 7.13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Life is a constant battle for which path you are going to follow. The challenge is that the off-path life is easy, attractive, and popular, whereas the on-path life is often inconvenient, uncomfortable, and unpopular. This is precisely the “narrow gate” message of Jesus in the Sermon On the Mount.
Keep in mind that the marquee over the wide gate and the easy way does not say, “This is the way to destruction.” Rather, the signpost over the path of darkness makes the claim that it is the way to success, happiness, and fulfillment. The way of darkness lures people with false promises and appeals to deceitful passions. It isn’t until people are well down that path that they discover it was a lie.
Proverbs 7.21-27 describes it with vivid imagery: “With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.”
The Lord tells the truth about the right path. He openly declares the path to which He calls us a “narrow gate” and a “hard way.” He does not hide the fact that there will be challenges and difficulties in the Christian life.
“Count it all joy, my brothers,” it says in James, “when you meet trials of various kinds, you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1.2-4)
The Lord’s wisdom gives you the discipline to stay on-path, as well as the discernment to recognize and reject the deceitful people and distorted ideas that want to take you off-path. Be watchful every day about the path you are following. Do not be fooled by the false advertising of the wide gate and easy way, and do not be intimidated by the truth of the narrow gate and hard way.
Trust God and follow The Path.
Coram Deo
