The Narrow Way
Matthew 7:13-15
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.
If you have attended any Selah Bible study, you are familiar with this passage of scripture. Jesus tells us in Matthew that there is a narrow way that leads to life and there aren’t many folks who find it. The other day I had a revelation of what that truly means.
Have you ever been on a hike or walking trail with a group of friends? Initially, you all may be able to be in a huddle and walking alongside each other, especially if the path is broad. In fact, you may pass other hikers and the path is wide enough for your group and another group to fit. But if you hike long enough, you may find that the path begins to narrow, it becomes a different terrain, and suddenly you cannot walk alongside each other anymore. The path is only wide enough for each person to be in a straight line before you venture off the footpath.
Our walk with Christ is just like this scenario. Maybe when you first get saved, you may still be abiding in Camp Lukewarm - like maybe you’re Christlike in the presence of other Christians but you still enjoy sin when you’re around people it’s okay to do that with. But as Christ becomes alive in you, and His Word is illuminated to you, you cannot and will not be able to live the lifestyle that you did before:
2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
1 Peter 1:13-16 AMP
13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 [Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. 15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.”
What these scriptures show us is that being saved - a true salvation experience- should cause your old nature before knowing Christ to cease. So on the narrow path, it eventually will be just you and God. And as the Shepherd He is, if you wander off the path of righteousness, He will nudge you back on through conviction:
Hebrews 12:6-11 AMP
6 For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves,
And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].”
7 You must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons; for [a]what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 Now if you are exempt from correction and without discipline, in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate children and not sons [at all]. 9 Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we submitted and respected them [for training us]; shall we not much more willingly submit to the Father of [b]spirits, and live [by learning from His discipline]? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for only a short time as seemed best to them; but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].
The path is narrow, but God is faithful to correct us when we need correction. But because the path is narrow, don’t think it strange if you can no longer hang out with the same people or watch the same shows, or use the same language. Or maybe even your moral beliefs change. (I found that happened to me. Suddenly, in Christ, I became less concerned with politics and what was right and wrong in the human mind but I began to use the Word of God as my moral compass.)
When the path becomes narrow, the enemy will try to convince you that it’s too hard to be spiritually disciplined. You will have people tell you that you’re “too saved” or “you’re judging others” or “you’re uptight”. But if it comes down to you and your salvation, always choose your salvation. Choose the narrow way.
Galatians 6:9 AMP
Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.
There may be times when the narrow way seems hard because it’s a radical change and there is not much wiggle room to “act up”. It’s also hard because the Bible is absolutely clear that it’s not many people walking the narrow path. As Saints, we are held to a higher standard. But it is so that we may be able to minister to people and not be hypocrites, but it is also so that we may be united with God in Heaven upon our earthly death. As the scriptures earlier showed, we have to come to God in a holy way. You cannot be raggedy or wicked and think you will be able to make it to Heaven.
Friends, pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the narrow way. Thank you for life and helping me to choose righteousness. Lord, help me to stay on this path even when it seems easier to be on the wide path. Father, please give me the strength to continue to not grow weary in doing good. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Caveat:
While the path is narrow, that does not mean you are alone. God is always with you. You may also find comfort in a community of those with like precious faith - true believers who will encourage you. Now remember, they cannot replace a personal relationship with God, but they can be role models and good friends that will encourage you to stay the course. There may be seasons in your life where the Lord will require you to walk out on faith alone, but He will always send help
Acts 2:42-47 AMP
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
John 14:26-27 AMP
26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]