Matthew 7:13-14 ESV 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. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
This is not a passage many modern Americans want to hear. In many ways it goes against our culture. In American society today the attitude is all ideologies are equal. The Bible gives a different perspective. The Bible clearly and repeatedly states that there is God’s way and everything else.
According to the Bible, we come to God on His terms and we live by His rules. There is one way to come to God (John 14:6) and one method of salvation (John 3:16). Anything else leads to that wide gate that opens to destruction.
God loves us and is merciful, but He will not negotiate with us. We cannot pick and choose which of his commands we will accept. We both acknowledge and submit to all of God’s commandments or we are in rebellion.
Christians also must accept God as He is clearly portrayed in the Bible. He is not some spiritual grandfather who winks at our indiscretions. Nor is He a cosmic tyrant looking for opportunities to incinerate us. The Bible says He is a loving Father who wants a relationship with us. He is just, therefore He rewards obedience and punishes disobedience. Thankfully, His justice is tempered with mercy.
Once we recognize God for Who He is and acknowledge that all His commands are right, even if we do not understand them, the we are on the road that leads to the narrow gate. Jesus warned that it was more difficult, but the payoff is worth the investment.
Lord God, You are the one true God. Your ways are right and Your burden is light though not always easy. Let us see Your truth and fully submit to Your guidance.