The Road Less Traveled
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matt. 7:13-14, NIV
The Road Less Traveled.
“Heads up!” My husband shouted just as a tree limb wacked me across the face. As horseback riders, sometimes we have the choice as to whether to take a wide gravel road or take a narrow trail going through the woods. Taking the road means we don’t have to be concerned about low hanging limbs or of getting off track. Many have traveled here before us making the way clear.
The trail may have its obstacles along the way, but it will lead us through the woods where will see wildlife in its natural habitat, streams of beautiful clear water, wild flowers in brilliant bloom and an assortment of mushrooms popping up everywhere. While either route would get us to the same destination, we take the narrow trail knowing we will enjoy these blessings along the way.
This is what Jesus is telling us in this verse. Speaking to believers, He is saying to follow Him, taking the narrow gate, we need to have faith even in difficult times. We must have endurance and discipline even when Satan is constantly trying to deceive us. However, this gate will deliver us the best life with many blessings along the way as we seek His guidance and walk with Him daily.
Taking the wide gate refers to a life filled with selfish pleasures, going our own way rather than seeking God’s guidance in our daily walk. While this may appear to be the easy path, it leads to danger and destruction, as we leave Him out of our decision making.
Jesus tells us that He is the gate and whoever enters through him will be saved, (John 10:9). He also says in John 14:6 that He is the way to the Father. When we accept Him, we are saved, therefore either route will get us to the same destination, paving our way into heaven. But how much greater a journey we will have here on earth when we choose that narrow path and put our faith and trust in Him reaping all the blessings He has in store for us enjoying a life walking with Him.
My dear friend, the next time you are tempted to take the wide gate, leaving God out of your daily life, remember there is always destruction at the end. Taking the narrow gate, practicing discipline and faith may have its difficulties but will be well worth enduring as we see Jesus and a new life at the end of our journey.
