"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life and there are few who find it."
Matthew 7:13-14 The Amplified Study Bible
We always have choices to make in life and we have to live by these choices. Many choose to enter the wide gate where the road is wide and straight and, it looks by far, the easiest choice. Sadly, this is a bad choice. It may look easy and pleasurable but we read, it leads to disaster and loss in the end. Without Jesus, we are lost. The narrow gate, in contrast, leads to life but it comes with a cost because the road is full of potholes and obstacles that can cause great problems.
The majority of people choose the easy route - the wide gate. They may go to church once a week because this is what they have always done. However, there has been no encounter with Jesus in their hearts. In fact, some don't bother with Jesus and still feel He is a baby in the manger, not God. When they speak with a spirit-filled Christian, they feel that the other is 'religious' or even strange, especially when they speak in tongues. They are not willing to accept the way to eternal life through Jesus. They may even find it all offensive.
But the narrow gate is the one to enter but it takes all that we have to stay on it. Jesus never said it would be easy, but will pay dividends in the end - eternal life. This is one of the reasons why we suffer persecution and hatred. Our faith can embarrass people or even challenge them. Many when challenged, refuse to accept it and may become argumentative when we discuss Jesus. This may come from people in the street, at work or even in our own family. But we need to stick with it. A concert pianist didn't just happen, this person studied and practised for many years, giving up much of the outside world to become who they are today. A top athlete is the same. They use discipline to get their body into shape for hours on end. But when they pick up that gold medal, the feeling is awesome and it was well worth the struggle.
You may be struggling because you chose to follow Jesus. So did the early disciples and so do many pastors, evangelists and missionaries today. However, they have one thing in common. They have commitment and this is what it takes to walk along this narrow road.
It may not be easy for you but one day, when you are face to face with Jesus in heaven, you will realise that it was all worth it. Keep on going!
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard
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