Matthew 7:14
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Across every country you have interstates, highways and roads. Most people choose the interstates if they are traveling a long distance. Oftentimes the interstate is not as direct a course as a highway or road, but it is often the most traveled way. With every trip you take, you have to decide which way you are going to go.
Likewise, you must decide which way you are going to walk in the Christian life. You can take God’s way or the populist’s way. God says there are two ways in life that you can take. You can take the wide way which leads to destruction, or you can choose God’s way which leads to a fulfilling life. God’s description of His way shows us some important things we need to know about the Christian life.
First, God’s way is not always the popular way. You will notice that few people follow God’s pathway. You will never be successful in the Christian life if you are always looking for the popular way. If you must always be with the accepted crowd, then you will never find yourself walking God’s way. Rarely does the populace follow the right way. Just because everyone you know is going a certain direction doesn’t make it right. Always remember that the right way is not determine by how many are walking in it, but the right way is determined by the Word of God. Don’t get caught up in following a certain way because everyone is doing it; rather, follow the path God commands to walk whether or not anyone is walking it.
Second, God’s way is narrow. The word “strait” means to be very precise. In other words, God’s way is not always the easiest way. Just because it seems easier to do something doesn’t always make it right. Yes, God’s way has restrictions on it. God’s way will restrict His people from walking in the lifestyle of the broad way. God’s way will keep you from dressing like the world, listening to the music of the world or talking like the world. Yes, God’s way may seem narrow, but His way always has a great ending.
Third, God’s way is not easy. God says His way is “narrow.” This word implies that there are trials and afflictions along the way. In other words, you will never walk God’s way without have to endure trials. Friend, the reason the broad way is so populated is because you will find many have quit to walk that way thinking it will be easier. You cannot give up on God just because your way is harder. It takes stronger people to walk God’s way.
Fourth, God’s way is the fulfilling way. The verse above says that God’s way leads to “life.” When you look at the end of the strait and narrow way, you will find those who walked that way are happy and fulfilled with their life. There are no regrets in this way. No, it wasn’t easy walking down that way, but they found the fulfillment in life that they sought.
Which way are you going to choose? Let me encourage you to choose God’s way. It may not be the most popular way, but it is the fulfilling way. It may not be the most traveled way, but it is the most satisfying way. It may not be the most accepted way, but it is the most gratifying way. God’s way must be the way you daily walk if you want to have a fulfilled life.