The road to eternity is very narrow, a gate that for most would seem undesirable. Jesus said “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.” (Matthew 7:13-14).
As we have read through the New Testament, we have seen what the life of a disciple should look like. Far too often there is great temptation to live an easy life, a life that in truth is the wide way that Jesus speaks about. A life where we enjoy the pleasures of this world now and conveniently ignore the teachings of scripture that lead us to what comes later. I am not speaking of denying ourselves the safety and provision that is available the privilege of the nation we live in but rather of the indulgence we allow ourselves, secular entertainment, tv, partying, socializing for our amusement. It really comes down to perspective and motive. Is my motive for joining in to be a witness to others whilst I am with them or more honestly is my motive to have ‘a good time’? I believe this is one of the reasons so many Christians don’t really find joy in their salvation and seem to want for more than Christ in their lives in order to find satisfaction. The love of this world has a powerful pull on many. Christians are not called to be miserable, but rather the source of our joy, happiness and satisfaction is to be found in Him (Jesus Christ). That is why Jesus explains that the gate that leads to eternity is narrow and the way difficult. If my fulfilment is in His salvation and my relationship with Jesus Christ, then I have no need of other things to make me feel happy or to be entertained. This is the great challenge of the 21st Century for believers. We have at our disposal so many labour-saving devices, such diverse forms of technology and entertainment, and so much free time that craves filling with idle distractions. In our affluence it is no wonder many have lost sight of the Christian way, the narrow way that leads to eternal reward. The truth is that on the narrow way we lack for nothing, this includes the fundamental needs that we so unconsciously seek to fulfil. He is our peace, and in Him there is joy, fulfilment and completeness. May He lead us in this ‘way everlasting’ and help each one of us to see where our foot is in danger of slipping off the path. There are only two roads into eternity one is broad and ends in destruction, the other is narrow and leads to eternal life. I know which I want to be on when I reach the end of the journey and I am sure you do too! For all the world possess I see a lost humanity in all its abundance crying out for the one thing that is missing, sadly for most they are either unable or unwilling to see and accept that what they need is Christ.
Comments