The Narrow Gate And The Path That Leads To Life

Matthew 7:13:14 

Any place worth going to is difficult to reach.  This is true in every aspect of life: personal, family, career, etc.  A goal that is easily reached usually has little value.  But those we must work hardest for are the ones most prized.  And why shouldn’t the same be true of spiritual things?

No one will arrive in heaven by chance or accident.  Jesus is very plain here that our eternal home depends greatly upon the choices we make here and now.  And He is just as clear that the broad, easy way leads to destruction, while the way to life eternal is small and narrow.  And we need not wonder which road has the most traffic because both have room enough for all who travel them.

Of these two paths Coffman said in his commentary, “The narrowness consists of the restrictions, disciplines, and requirements throughout the whole area of Christian living. Such things as self-denial, forgiveness of others, monogamy, meekness, renunciation of the pursuit of wealth as the chief end of life, and countless other basic scriptural principles are opposed to the natural man whose baser instincts propel him constantly in the direction of the wide gate and the broad way. Only those who are truly spiritual, who have set their minds upon the things in heaven, shall enter and negotiate the straitened way that leads to life; and yet, ‘Whosoever will may come!’”

There are two roads and we must choose one.  We can have ease and comfort now by entering the wide gate and following the wide road.  This way is appealing to many who travel it giving no thought to where they are headed.  Those who choose the narrow gate often find the journey difficult but they know the destination will be worth the journey.  Which path are you on?

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ