LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 7:14, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few on it.” Jesus

 

You and I need to get something out of the way from the start. I want more than anything else to be walking on the narrow way! I acknowledge Jesus saying it is a difficult way! But to dwell on the difficulty and not walk in faith in Jesus and trust that He is with me as I walk on the narrow way to eternal life in His Kingdom can become an excuse (Okay, I might have used it before – several times) to look back at all those things done when the kingdom of self was in control. If you are struggling while you walk on the narrow way, ask yourself what is causing the struggle and take it to Jesus, the One who will help you through the struggle. Take it from one who has had to do that many times and know He is more than willing to take your burden.

We need to break this statement down before we really begin to understand it. The narrow gate, as we have written, is Jesus Christ. He came to seek and save the lost; unfortunately, not all the lost want to be found and saved. That is the reality and that is what He meant by the broad way with many on it. Jesus began this with a caution about where the lost are headed. The gate is narrow; Jesus, as the gate, is the only way to reach His kingdom. The Father’s offer of salvation through His Son Jesus must be accepted before one is allowed on this way. Let me say it another way. The only way to escape your sinful life, with you on the throne in the kingdom of self, and to escape punishment for your sin is to enter in through the narrow gate. There will be far too many who will not do this. To enter the narrow gate, one must make a response to Jesus Christ as their Lord; it is required.

Here is something else to consider. You and I were created to bring glory to God and to worship Him. Entering the narrow gate requires that we continuously put down the kingdom of self which includes pride and all things that have fed self. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). That means letting go of our own agendas in order to follow and obey God’s agenda. By voluntarily taking up our cross and following Jesus, you and I are able to die to self. This comes from the practice of criminals subject to crucifixion by the Romans having to carry their own cross to their place of death. Do you see and understand the connection?

To be able to do all of this, you and I must choose to move out of the mainstream or following the crowd and doing what we want to do. It is a must to do so. Does that mean that you must give up everything you want or all your plans? Maybe, but only if they are not in line with walking on the narrow way. God has created you, knows you intimately, and will use you where ever you are. He has led you to a certain place to be used by Him. But He wants the glory for who you are and what you do. He desires that you diligently chase after Him and not after possessions and achievements. Each of us must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and not by our own power and strength. None of us are too old nor too young to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and live the way God desires and requires of us!

That is a lot to consider today. Do not just read this and just walk away. Consider it and apply it to your life. The caution or warning that Jesus gave is very real. We must not give up when the struggles grow stronger, and they will, as the end of times grow closer. We must not give in when the kingdom of self tries to regain its place in us. Stay strong in the Lord and be diligent about your relationship to Him.