The narrow gate?
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:14
Living the good life? What does that truly mean? What was God’s idea of a good life when He created people? Is it to work hard to accumulate things? Is it being entertained at every free minute? Is it having a family, working until you are 65 and retiring to live out the rest of your days in comfort and leisure? While none of these things are bad, and there certainly are worse ways to live out your days, but today’s text gives us some hints on God’s idea of living life to the fullest.
The passage starts with “Enter by the narrow gate.” It goes on to say the narrow gate is difficult but leads to life. So why is the narrow gate difficult? If you picture an actual gate that is narrow, you could imagine that it would require you to unload anything that wasn’t actually part of you to get through it. You would have to put down all the things that were heavy and burdensome. In today’s world, you would have to enter on foot, not driving a vehicle through or bringing any of your possessions. Mostly, it is taking a path that is purposeful and planned out by the Creator Himself. Most people would follow the path of least resistance. The road that is popular and well-traveled so that there is plenty of room and attractions along the way. It can seem easier to coast or drift through life without purposefully pointing your life in a direction of intentionality. Some would even purpose to pursue the things of this world that are fleeting and temporary but will disappear like a vapor when they are done living here in this world.
I see this as a spiritual gate. Living your life growing your spirit person, that is what gets through the narrow gate. Consider in a spiritual sense of laying down your cares and burdens and trusting in the God of the universe to get you through. Notice that He is only interested in a relationship with you, not the things of this world. Of course, it is wise to properly maintain your physical body, but this is not what actually goes through the narrow gate. To truly live this life to the fullest, an individual must have a personal relationship and fellowship with the Father of love. The wide gate is for the masses which many can fit through all at once. Those headed toward this gate give no consideration to a personal relationship with the God of creation, only trying to satisfy and fill up with self-indulgence.
Today I would encourage you to take a look at which gate you are heading toward. Are you seeking out the precious personal time to fellowship and commune with your heavenly Father? Or are you with the masses that are only looking out for number one? Have you stored up for yourself treasures in this world, or do you place your treasure and resources in His kingdom where it cannot be eaten away by rust and moths? Decide today that you are going to start making eternal investments by helping others and using your resources to promote God’s agenda. Then spend time each day purposing to press into Him through the narrow gate of relationship and being an example of His love everywhere you go.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 7:13-14
13 “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. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
The Daily Dose 