3 Secrets to Staying on the Narrow Path -

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 (NIV)

The snake was probably three or four feet long and coming right towards us. We were out for a leisurely family walk on the trails by the lake. The sun felt warm on our backs as we climbed the tree-lined hills and watched our son speed ahead of us on his bike. Local bird songs composed the perfect hiking playlist.

The closer the snake came to us, the further my husband retreated. My husband seems to have no fears and loves to take risks. But snakes, even a little Garter snake will completely undo him. His reaction piqued my curiosity. You see, the snake was not out in the wild; he was draped around a man’s neck, out for a walk. It was his beloved pet. Had we run into the snake on a path in the jungles of Africa, we would have had every reason to be fearful. But we were on the narrow paths of our local lake, and the snake was under control and a safe encounter.

We never know what we will run into on the path we choose in life. The unpredictability makes this journey an adventure, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. However, when we are deciding which path to take, we have choices to make.

Therefore, Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (NIV)

But it isn’t always an easy path and Satan often tempts us to hop over to the broad road. Death and destruction are waiting for us just a little ways off of the narrow path. The dangers are real, and this story in Matthew is more than just an analogy, it is real life. We must commit to staying the course, no matter what comes our way.

On the narrow path, we never hike alone. God is always leading us and His Word shows us the way we should go. Hiking with Him, we never need to fear. His strength and power render every threat as harmless as that pet snake.

Today, want to leave you with 3 secrets from Scripture for staying on the narrow path:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37) – The essential precept to hearken is the first commandment. When asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, this was God’s response. This kind of love is about giving God all our desires, our passions, our wills, our feelings, and our thoughts. We are not just loving Him with our hearts, but also our souls, minds, and strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) – In this ME generation, it can be hard to put aside our own felt needs and care for others before ourselves. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel natural anymore. We are so driven by our flesh, that the Spirit’s directions have become weak. Pray for God to direct your steps towards those you can serve.
Be holy (1 Peter 1:16) – God sets the standard for morality, not the world. We are asked to be like God in everything we do.

We are set aside from the world as Christians. Our path doesn’t always offer the same options or amenities as the rest of the world. It may feel lonely and deserted at times, but the good news is that we are not alone on this path, it just isn’t crowded. I picture the narrow road to be like that trail by the lake, filled with beauty and quiet peacefulness. I see the path of the world like a busy New York Sidewalk. Our path may not have a Starbucks on every corner, but we do get the best views of God’s handiwork.

Have you purposed in your heart and committed to the Lord to stay the course? What is one thing you can do today to make sure you are not tempted to hop over to the easy road?

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are the gate and we are your sheep. We seek your protection from the thieves that come to steal and destroy. We commit to this spiritual discipline of staying the course you have set before us and commit our hearts, souls, and minds to it. We want to show love to our neighbors that they also may be encouraged to travel the path less traveled. Holy Spirit be with us in this holy endeavor and give us the power of God to stay strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen