Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Good morning friends. In our opening verses Jesus talks about two travel destination, He warns about possible dangers, then He offers His recommendation on the best one.
These gates denotes human choices based on our God-given ability to exercise freewill. The wide gates is always the default mode for most humans; it provides short term gains, it is pleasing to the human senses, and it massages our ego. And because it always feels right, it is therefore the popular choice for most people. On the other hand the narrow gate is painful in the short term, not necessarily pleasing to the human senses, and it suffocates our ego.
One wants it all now by any means necessary, while the other, through courage and discipline pays the price now in the hope of a better tomorrow! I hasten to add that one is always crowded, and the other, mostly lonely.
Out of all the examples that highlights this truth, perhaps the most profound is encapsulated in these words by Paul to friends in Jerusalem:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Dear friends, I pray for the grace and stamina to lead a life through the narrow gate. For it is the gate that leads to lasting peace, and it is the gate to the eternal city.
~ Sabali
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