The Narrow Gate

"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. " Matthew 7:13-14

The way of the kingdom can be lonely at times. It is another one of those paradoxes of the life of faith. The words of Jesus in Matthew 7 are a lamp for our feet to find the narrow path. That narrow path will sometimes make us feel like we are being squeezed into some very tight, and at times, uncomfortable surroundings. Jesus had to find time to talk to the Father away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Those times resulted in prayer at odd hours. Without prayer, we will have no clue on how to find the way. Jesus taught his disciples to have spiritual eyes and spiritual ears. Loving those who are unloved, turning the other cheek, carrying someone else's load when you don't have to....those are the sorts of things that are very rare in life. Living selfishly, going with the crowd, and refusing to follow the word of God will lead to destruction. We are all sinners in need of salvation. May we be in prayer asking God to show us the way each day so that we can find that narrow gate. When you find it, celebrate! Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, one can draw comfort that God himself is leading you through those valleys along the narrow way.