Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy1 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.
1 Some manuscripts For the way is wide and easy
Matthew 7:13-14
Following on last week's Good Word of doing good, we understand that the choice to do good is the narrow way, with the wide and easy way being self-cantered. It is disturbing to note Jesus said there are many who choose the wide gate and easy path. So, let's look at the choices we make at these gates. I want you to remember the Lord's words about the measuring stick we use when it comes to the doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. This choice becomes either a wide or narrow gate we enter through.
From Matthew 7:2 and Luke 6:38, we find the principle of the what and why we give being our measuring cup for return. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter nine that God isn’t looking for giving done in a grudging manner but rather willing and cheerful. The amplified adds the ‘prompt to do it, giver.’
We want others' giving to us to be willing, cheerful, and hopefully prompt, but is it the way we measure in our good deeds? We can see how this choice becomes a very narrow entrance that leads to a hard path because it requires the denial of self and usually some type of personal sacrifice.
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:8-10
We can liken this wide and easy path to the path our flesh longs to travel. Interesting to note the beginning of verse seven is the warning toward deception. How easy it is to deny the still, small voice, the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit when we are faced with the opportunity to do good. This is the sowing we do to the flesh, but Paul, in Galatians, goes on to encourage us not to grow weary and to remember sowing good; we are promised a harvest in due season.
This willing and generous heart must be pursued as a quality of character we want to possess to be as He is in this world. As we choose the narrow way, we know and understand the personal effects of weariness and thanklessness that are sure to come.
We must choose to remember every act of kindness is a service to the Lord. Every drink of water or meal offered, every visit, and every needy person clothed should remind us that when we do it to the least, we do it unto Him…..Matthew 25:40. Our willingness to choose to walk through our narrow gate onto a hard path will always glorify our Father and reap eternal rewards.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17