Matthew 7: 13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
I attended Confirmation classes at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. We were a class of 23 students, and I recall that we competed feverishly: who could learn the most Bible Verses, list the books of the Bible, learn the Catechism first. My biggest competition was a boy named John. I thought he was smart and cute!
One of the lessons we had involved making choices in our Christian life. I recall seeing a film showing a mountain, with two different routes to take. The one way was wide and there were lots of people taking it. Unfortunately, it seemed those on this path were lured to venture off onto sideroads that led to nowhere; some were distracted by exciting activities and so they forgot where they were going. Others just lost their way when they followed “the crowd” off the beaten path.
The other route was much narrower and the few people on it were delayed here and there to assist another person or to feed someone. Sometimes the hikers just stopped to look at the beauty around them or to meditate. This route was often steep and those who took it had to help (or receive help) from fellow travelers just to scramble over the obstacles in the way. But when they arrived at their destination, they were awed and fulfilled.
Our intern pastor who taught us explained that we should strive to take the more difficult way. It offered far more rewards as we helped and served others and breathed in the air of God’s Spirit.
This is the lesson we find in the teachings of Jesus recorded in Matthew 7:13-14 as The Message translates it: “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.”
It is a teaching to which I must return frequently. How about you?
Prayer: Take my hand, Lord, and guide, pull, and push me (and my fellow travelers) along the narrow road that brings me into your Kingdom both now and forever. Amen.
Song: “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways” by Isaac Watts, ELW 772