Jesus is the gate and His narrow road is for our protection. He told us that the gate to eternal life is narrow, and the way that leads to it is hard to find; therefore, there are only a few people who discover it; however, the wide gate to destruction is easy to find, and most people live life along this pathway (Matthew 7:13-14).
Believing in Jesus’ saving grace does not make sense to the common person. They want to earn their salvation, and many will partake in strict, false religions to assuage their guilt over their sin, to attempt to make themselves into a better human being, and to make amends for their failings.
God even uses nature to lead people to the path of eternal life (Romans 1:20). He makes known to mankind His way of salvation for us all; and when we take it, He fills us with joy in His intimate presence in our life as well as easy access to His eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11).
The “Way of Holiness” is a highway for the wise, and the prideful and rebellious will not walk on it (Isaiah 35:8; Matthew 25:1-12). Jesus told us that the best way to come to Him for salvation and to enter that narrow road is to deny our sinful tendencies, to accept the trials of life with joy, and to follow His example and precepts (Matthew 16:24-25).
All we have to do is to ask God to search us and test us to find any wicked ways in us, and then to lead us on His eternal way (Psalm 139:23-24). When we contemplate and adjust our thoughts, words, and behavior, He establishes our life in the center of His will – the happiest and safest place on earth (Proverbs 4:26-27; Philippians 2:12-13).
Prayer:
Father God, the joy of walking on Your straight and narrow path is that there are no alternate routes on it, and its parameters offer us solace, joy, and peace throughout our lifetime. Teach us not to judge another person during their moment of performance and to allow Your Holy Spirit to perfect them. When we support one another on this road to eternal life, we help to encourage and strengthen one another.
We could not find our way without Your intimate union with our spirit and soul throughout life. Remind us that life is full of trouble and trials, but those that we encounter on Your path are created by our own struggle with our sinful tendencies. You designed Your highway to Heaven to keep us safe and to help us to walk in Your holiness. Thank You for sanctifying us by Your Holy Spirit all the way through life until we join You in Your heavenly abode (Psalm 16:11).
Thoughts for the Day:
In our selfishness, our worldview is often narrow and prejudiced because it is self-centered. Just because life is hard is no excuse to switch from God’s heavenly highway to the wide road the world offers to us, because it leads to destruction. Choosing God’s narrow road keeps us safe, satisfied, and filled with peace and joy that have nothing to do with our current circumstances.
