Narrow is the Way That Leads to Life – Matt. 7:14

Do we as Christians enter the small gate only once? Is this at baptism? Before you answer yes, consider another verse: And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" And He said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” —Luke 13:23
     If entering the way were at baptism, who would not be able to enter? Don’t we agree that the kingdom and grace of God are open to all? Perhaps this is related to Jesus as the keeper of sheep: "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”  John 10:9 One interpretation would be that we enter through the door every day, maybe several times a day. This would be consistent with  … “take up his cross daily . . .” —Luke 9:23.
     Once we are in the kingdom, is our life, our soul and spirit, in touch with Jesus every day? Do we find at least ten minutes of private time to come face to face with Jesus—to be thankful, to confess shortcomings, to hear his message, and to draw near? Every time we encourage someone, love a neighbor, call a friend, or smile at or hug someone needing a lift, we have entered the door and are walking on the narrow way that leads to life.
     On the other hand, if our waking moments are spent worrying about the job, the family, the neighbors, the city council, or the retirement account, we may be outside, and away from the narrow way. If one day we run off and are lost, we might not find the “door” or “gate” again. It is when we daily walk with Jesus as our shepherd that we remain in His kingdom.
     Life in Christ is dynamic, especially for young hearts, but also for old bones, old friends, and old times. The one who is static is adrift and may end up on the broad way that leads to destruction. We need to enter that narrow door and walk the narrow way every day. Fortunately, we have a savior and an army of His “sheep” who are eager to encourage us, to lift us up, to relieve our stress, and to cheer for and with us. Think about your walk!
     What happens to those who get lazy, forgetful, or self-seeking? They lose their first love, harbor evil, or become lukewarm just like five of the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 2 and 3). Only two were doing okay – this has to serve as a reminder to us to daily enter the narrow door and walk the narrow way. While a GPS may help locate a place we’ve never been before, we have something better, the word of God, to help us find that small gate and narrow way that leads to life, even if we’ve been away for a while.                                                

—Finis