By[13] “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)
While growing up as a little child, people preached the scripture above to me, as well as other children, in a Sunday school kids class, saying that it’s hard to go to heaven because the gate is narrow. In fact, I even saw a whole local movie about this. But as I grew and understood scripture more, I realised that the true meaning of Jesus saying, “Enter by the narrow gate,” doesn’t mean going into heaven is difficult. After all, it’s by grace through faith a person is saved, not by works (see Ephesians 2:8).
Matthew 7:13-14 isn’t merely about salvation. It’s a scripture Jesus used to teach the difference between two things.
- Getting saved by grace through faith instead of works
- The narrowness of purpose-driven living as compared to ordinary ways of living.
For the first one, it’s evident that many people are in church claiming to be saved but aren’t. They are deceived by their church-going lifestyle to think they have a place in God. Those who are saved know in their hearts that they are saved not because of something they do for God.
Read more on How to verify your salvation in Christ.
For the second one, it’s even more tragic. Although God’s purpose for each person is unique, few people, including believers, discover theirs in Him. So many people are used to ordinariness in life, joining just any club or doing just anything that comes up. Most of them don’t have control of their days, and that is tragic.
Purpose creates focus, which also creates discipline. A purpose-driven way of living makes you live a very tight life. You won’t involve yourself in just anything that comes your way. No! God shows you what to do each day and teaches you how to be committed to the vision. Our perfect example is Jesus. He was so focused on His mandate that He never joined the Pharisees or Sadducees club.
Dear friend, draw near God for Him to show you your purpose and be committed to doing it by His grace. He is with you!
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, continue helping me to focus on the divine mandate You’ve given me to do. Grant me the grace to overcome distractions. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 176
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