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

We examined why there are so many on the broad way; it is easier. It is not only easier but the pursuit of worldly successes and pleasures is a driving force for every person. People on the broad way want more and more of what they have. Recently, my wife gave me an old story with the theme “if I only had ____, then I would be happy”. But when the _____ was gained, there was something newer and better that came along and “if I only had ____, then I would be happy” became the thought again. It just did not end. There is also the belief that the narrow way is boring and unable to be satisfying for people. That is far from being reality.

In the last page of the blog, we examined the only way to get on to the narrow way. It is only through the narrow gate which is Jesus Christ and accepting His offer of salvation. When His offer of salvation is accepted and applied to your life, the walk on the narrow way begins. What does that mean?  James 1:22 describes the walk as being a doer of the Word and not just hearer of it. Hebrews 10:7 describes this walk as being wholeheartedly obedient that says and does “Your will, O God”. That means we “that you put off, concerning your former conduct (the old self), the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:22-24). The choice to reject the former way of life and its corruption (before accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord) is a daily choice to be made. Each of us make the choice to participate in the process of putting off or dying to self; the outcome of doing so is ultimately up to God because he is the One who transforms us. We participate in this by reading and studying His Word, daily prayer, worshipping Him, doing our best to be obedient, and praying for forgiveness when we fail.

It is a narrow way because few choose to walk on it. Yes, you must give up stuff! But think for a moment what that stuff is – it is sin. Yes, giving up that which has controlled us for so long can cause us some hardships, perhaps some suffering, but let me encourage you by saying walking with Jesus is worth every difficult moment of giving something up.

There is freedom by walking the narrow way. You might be wondering how. There is freedom from guilt and shame that often comes with the lifestyle of walking on the broad way. I do not have to explain this because each of you know what I am writing. Throughout my working time, I have dealt with both adults and students who were guilty of bad behavior. Some were genuinely sorry for their actions; many were just sorry they got caught. It was easier to deal with those who were genuine about being caught because behavior could be dealt with. There was a freedom brought to them that they no longer had to continue doing what they were doing. There is freedom from sin given to us as we walk on the narrow way. Jesus has forgiven our sins – past, present, and future. Again, that is not a license to do and say what we want. We are no longer bound to commit sin when tempted.

This would be a good time to thank Jesus for your salvation. It would be a great time to be thankful that you are one of the “few” on the narrow way and to ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your will to walk as Jesus wants you to walk with Him today. Tomorrow would be a good day to do this as well! You will be happy you did!