What did Jesus say? 

Choose The Narrow Way

• Matthew 7:13-14 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

In Other Text:

• Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
• Luke 13:23-34 “And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

Challenge: 

If you’re like me, Jesus’ words about the narrow, difficult path to God’s Kingdom can sound intimidating.  Why would He choose to make His path so challenging to find and follow? 

Christians are often referred to as “narrow minded” in this current social climate.  But think of it this way:  As our Creator, God alone knows what’s best for His people.  He knows how we can best honor Him and each other through the guidelines found in His Word.  Like an owner’s manual, His ways ensure that we “operate” to our highest capacity with Himself and others.  His Word and His ways are loving, good, and kind.   

Often, our own preferences of what our life should look like blind us to the path He has set before us.  While we desire worldly comfort, He calls us out of our comfort zone. He challenges us to walk the hard road of loving our enemies, denying ourselves, and taking up our cross to follow Him.  He calls us to love the unlovable, and forgive others “70 times 7.”  Choose today to remain “narrow” minded, following the countercultural path to God’s Kingdom.

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