Your Daily Devotional for August 29, 2006

 

August 29, 2006

 

Road Narrows

by Dr. Paul Chappell

  

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

 

Matthew 7:13-14

 

When we approach Matthew chapter 7, we must remember that Jesus is concluding His Sermon on the Mount. Among the Jewish listeners who heard this sermon were two groups of people—the Scribes and the Pharisees. These religious leaders knew all the “language” of religion but they were missing the actual way of salvation. You see, if anyone wants to enter into a relationship with God, they are going to see a sign that reads “Road Narrows.”

 

We must realize that not only is the road narrow that leads to Christ, but broad is the road that leads to destruction. When you choose to serve God and take the narrow road, there is going to be resistance from those around you. The broad road looks easy and pain-free but the end is death. Do not be discouraged or fooled by the way of the world. It may look like they are living a carefree life of freedom, but in reality, they are growing closer to eternal separation from God.

 

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Many people are trying to broaden the narrow road to include them and their sin. A Baptist missionary recently attended a new-age seminar in North Carolina called “Life enrichment Expo.” He asked a new age philosopher, “When you die, what will you say to God when He asks you, ‘Why should I let you into my Heaven?’” The new age proponent said, “I am god, and I would never ask myself that question.”

 

John 14:6 says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The devil will use any way possible to get you to go to the broad road. Many people believe that there are many roads to get to Heaven, but Jesus says that He is the only way, and He also calls anyone who contradicts this a thief and a robber in John 10:1: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

 

Do not be fooled by the many different ways the devil tries to attract you to the broad road. One reason that you might find yourself attracted to the ways of this world is because your focus is shifted. Our focus should be set straight ahead of us on Jesus. He is at the end of our road calling us to come to Him. Don’t look at those around you and compare how hard your road is! Look to Jesus and compare what He did for you and what you are doing for Him.

 

Do you find yourself looking at those around you and comparing yourself to them? Do you find yourself wishing your road were easier? Just remember that Jesus walked the narrow road when He came and died for you! Even though the narrow road may be difficult, Christ promises to help you along the way. Reset your focus on Jesus and recommit yourself to continuing down the narrow road with His help.

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