“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
One thing we encounter in this hard way that leads to life the Bible refers to is that most people don’t want to do what it takes to enter through the narrow gate. In the movie, The Matrix, Morpheus says to Neo, “Neo, sooner or later, you’re going to realize just as I did, there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”
That saying, “When you know better, you do better,” is not always true. So often, we may even mistake knowing about something for doing it, even when we are not experiencing the fruit of it in our lives.
As I continue to learn and break free from the deception and indoctrination from the world, the wider the gap becomes with people I thought would always be a part of my life. Though it is disappointing at times, I’ve had to learn to accept it. I am reminded of Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus spoke about the cost of discipleship. Verse 26 says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
It’s not about spewing hate toward your family and your life, but rather understanding how attachments to people, including ourselves, may be keeping us from walking in the fullness of what God intended for our lives now and in eternity. Each of us is accountable for what we do with our time here on earth, and it affects our present and future. When you choose the narrow gate, you understand that you cannot be attached to things and people in this world. Sometimes we must shake the dust from our feet and keep it moving – even with family.
We also must examine ourselves and have a willingness to challenge areas of our lives where we may still be moving along with the world. Remember, if the gate is narrow, the way is hard, and only few will find it, that means our lives should be different than most.
There are so many layers to this, yet it’s really simple to understand. At the same time, while it is simple to understand, it is tough to walk out. Because it is hard, many people just do not want it. Some may never want to challenge everything they have been programmed to believe. It is easier to embrace what’s familiar, holding on to toxic patterns and dysfunction brought on by demonic oppression or possession. We have a real enemy who wants to ensure that we never live the life God wants us to have. I want everything God has for me in this life and in eternity. If you do too, I encourage you not to give up. Continue to question everything. Continue to study the Word of God. Continue to put on more of the nature of Christ with each new day. When people exit your life, don’t get discouraged. Continue to trust that the people you need in your life for each season will definitely be there.
Thanks for reading! I’m so glad you stopped by today. For more reflections on faith, purpose, and spiritual growth, check out my Wilderness to Wisdom podcast — available here on my site, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.