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

I have been writing about some characteristics those on the narrow way should be exhibiting in their lives. In the words Jesus Himself spoke He said we would face tribulation and trials, suffer persecution, must deny the kingdom of self and must be separated from living sinful lives. There are a few things we can add to the list.

 

In John 13: 34 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you love one another.” The love that Jesus is speaking about is love that is sacrificial selfless, patient, and described in 1 Corinthians 13. This is characteristic of the narrow way because when you and I walk in this definition of love, it is easier to forgive others, especially those who have done wrong to you. One of the problems we have as humans is our difficulty to forgive. That most likely develops into a grudge and perhaps into a hatred for that person. Is that related to murder as Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount? If it is, will that exclude us from the kingdom of heaven? It seems to me, those on the narrow way must be careful about this and be obedient to Jesus’ command to love one another regardless of the difficulty presented to doing so.

 

1 John 3:15 gives us another characteristic for those walking the narrow way to consider and must take as a warning. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I have written about this often in the past and you know what I believe God’s Word says about this. Let me be clear – if you love the world, you are not on the narrow way; you are on the broad way. To try to imitate anything in the world is to have a problem. If the world has any appeal to you, take a moment to evaluate your relationship to Jesus Christ. Too harsh? The consequences are not worth what the world has to offer.

 

If you are walking on the narrow ay, you are on your way to eternal life in God’s eternal kingdom! You have received a new birth; you are a new creation in Jesus Christ who no longer desires to sin. The problem is that even in our desire to walk perfectly on the narrow way, we are human and we still sin. Thinking through these characteristics was a little painful because I fail often in many of them. Here is my solution: I confess them to my Savior who is faith to forgive me, lifts me up and cleanses me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Does He understand you and me? Yes, He does and He desires us to confess what we do wrong right away. That is what keeps our relationship and fellowship with Him strong. You and I are not perfect and He does not expect us to be. We continue to strive, be diligent in our walk on the narrow way to be obedient to Him knowing that He continues to cleanse us until we enter heaven. Then we shall be complete, made perfect and in His image.

 

Walking as He commands on the narrow way will certainly be worth all the effort and the difficulty that comes with it when we see Jesus face to face!