"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." Matthew 7:13,14

This verse is an intriguing verse to me. It has reference to the security gate that was often a part of a city. Sometimes called "the eye of the needle" referred to in other passages. It is a smaller secluded gate that could be used whenever the large main gate of the city had been closed, either during war or at night.

Unfortunately this verse is often used to alienate our Christian brother. If I don't agree with the kind of music you sing in your worship, I pull out this verse. If I don't have the exact same belief as you, I pull out this verse. And the implication is that I'm on the narrow road, and you are on the easy road along with it's dire consequences. In the context of Christ's sermon, it refers to getting back to the teachings and intent of God rather than those of man.

I have to admit, I've had thoughts that trying to change the wording and tone of the message of the church to reach a post modern age has been a stretch for me. To my thinking, it is a super-highway approach instead of the least use of freeways choice. That's when this verse become even more important to me. It is God who has set the path, and the vehicle I choose to travel on it, is less important than the fact that we are in fact, on the path. So what is this path... If it's so hard to find, how in fact is it findable.

I think there is a hint in John 14, Christ tells me "I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me." That word "way"... It's just a fancy word for road or path. If I want a Trip-Tik in the course of life, all I have to do is follow Jesus. It's that easy, and it's that hard.

When I rent a car in a strange city, I often get "Neverlost". It's that GPS system that will tell you turn by turn how to get to an address by using satellites to plot your position and calculate your route. I often get confused, and even though the system will tell me to make a slight right turn, I will make a sharp right turn. Next thing you know, I'm hearing, "Calculating", and then I'm getting new directions to get me back on the path. When it comes to the spiritual road of life, God has given me a GPS system, the example of Christ's life and the Holy Spirit. Christ has marked the path with His footsteps and the Holy Spirit keeps me on the right path. Now, I just have to listen.

Father, help me follow your direction today.
- posted by Steve R. @ 6:45 AM