“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. [14] For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV
We are often told that the Christian life is a crutch or simply an escape from the “real” world of life. The Christian life is also portrayed as a choice people make to numb themselves and walk through their lives in comfort and ease as they neglect the harsh realities of this world. Even as believers we tell each other these same lies. We offer the gospel in such a way that others will be drawn to all the blessings, comfort, and peace of following Jesus. Although it is absolutely true that there will be blessings, comfort, and peace, the mistake is that we tend to equate this with an easy life. We want the Christian life to be seen as one overflowing with the good things that we desire. Jesus follows up the “Golden Rule” by telling us that the way to life, a life found in salvation through Christ alone, is a difficult road. Not a road to be taken lightly and certainly not a road where every comfort will be in abundance and every expectation will be met.
If we are looking for a life filled with the worldly comforts of this world, acceptance, and ease, then that gate is wide and easy to find. It’s the gate where most everyone is lining up to walk through. It is the gate filled with promises of health, wealth, power, and influence. It is a gate that we see promised in every advert. Take this pill and it will cure what ails you. Buy this product and others will admire you and even covet your decision. The world is constantly pushing the agenda of comfort and ease in this life. It subtly becomes the goal and desire of each of us as we walk through life and listen to the call of the world and our flesh. Slowly but surely leading to our very own destruction.
Jesus tells us that the narrow gate, the gate that leads to life, is the road less traveled. it is the simple pathway unadorned with the trappings of this world. It is a path that leads through suffering and trials. It is a path that few travelers choose to follow. it is a path that leads us through suffering. And through our suffering, Jesus will bring us safely into life with and through him. A life that is forever.
We know this because Jesus modeled this for us. He came down from heaven and took on the form of a man and lived among us. He was the King, yet he chose to suffer with his people. He chose to follow the path laid before him by the Father. He chose the path of suffering to learn obedience. He fully knows and understands what it takes to walk this narrow path because he did it perfectly… without sin. He knows and understands the cost involved in following this narrow path and he wants us to know that as well.
The beauty of entering through the narrow gate is that you never walk this path alone. Jesus walks this path with us. He is there in the sorrow and the pain. He is there in the hurt and disappointment. And what we find on this hard path filled with suffering is comfort and peace. Not a temporary peace that is based on the ever-changing norms of the world. No, this is a peace rooted in the unchanging Creator of the universe. This is a peace that transcends all understanding and teaches us to be content in the ever-present loving arms of our gentle Savior. It is the peace and comfort of knowing that even in the pain, I have life. Even in discomfort, I have purpose and meaning.
This path of following Jesus and trusting in him alone for my salvation may be difficult but it is the only way to life and peace. It is a comfort beyond all understanding to know that even when life doesn’t make sense to me and it all seems out of control, my Lord and Savior is in absolute control. The hardship is not there to break me, but to mold and shape me. To make me more like my Savior.