“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14. NKJV
Some people feel that the road to heaven and Jesus, is easy; we just ask Jesus into our lives and then, we are saved, our sin forgiven and rubber stamped marked, 'Special delivery to Heaven'. If only it was, that easy. Jesus here is telling His disciples that the gateway to heaven is narrow and difficult for anyone who finds this route. Many don't make it.
Broad and wide is the road that leads to destruction and many find this. It can be described the 'Highway to hell', because it is the easy route. Many people go this route and many others follow them expecting to have a relationship with God. However, it is the road to destruction and it is called Religion. It is an easy road to take but it comes with a cost, it leads to devastation - a place where people live eternity in total torment. They never see their born again loved ones again and have no access to Jesus. They just live in regret that they gave up everything and now it is too late. They may be able to see believers with Jesus throughly enjoying themselves and living the life that they can never have.
We can't get away from the fact though, that living a Christian life is never easy. We still have flesh on our bodies that is corrupted by sin and what we want to do, we end up doing the opposite. We know that committing sin is wrong and yet, we still do it. No matter how hard we try we still find ourselves lusting after sex, reading or watching books or videos that are sexually explicit. As we watch, our minds become more corrupted.
We still lose our temper with some people and use words that are so offensive and yet it doesn't stop us. We listen and crack inappropriate jokes and may drink too much alcohol, making a total fool of ourselves and hiding away the next morning because people may be talking and it's better to stay out of the way.
What is happening? Why do we do this when we know we shouldn't? It is because there is sin still within us. The conflict is that we agree with God's commands but, we cannot do them. This causes a great tension in our daily Christian life and we are painfully aware of our sin. We may stop it for a time but, it is short-lived and we find ourselves committing the same things again and again. The Apostle Paul knew all about this and his remedy was to go back to the beginning of his spiritual life and remembering how Jesus freed him. He recognised the freedom that Jesus offers all of us and he also knew that we were a work in progress (Philippians 1:6.)
Therefore, don't give up, we are all the same and we can make some progress by remembering all Jesus has done for each one of us and, even though we let Him down many times, know that He is loving and forgiving. Thank you Lord.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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