Narrow versus Broad Way

The Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 is also referred to as “The Beatitudes”.  Jesus sets forth what has been called by theologians as Our King’s “Inaugural Address”.  He speaks to an individual’s relationship with God; what one must be and do before our Heavenly Father so that they may “have life and have it more abundantly,” John 10:10; Ephesians 3:20.  Let us focus our attention on one truth that He spoke within this famous sermon:

“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. 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)

His Words compel a paradigm shift in our thinking. We naturally desire that our children travel through life as most others have before them.  Within the context of parenting and the goals and plans we have for our children, we must ask ourselves, “Are we leading them to the path of destruction or the path that leads to life?”  Note that Jesus said “few choose the narrow gate because it is narrow and it is difficult, however it is the way that leads to life”. 

As we consider our thoughts, actions, deeds, and investment in the lives of our children, do our efforts reflect that we are invested in our children being humbled before God and seeking the path He has chosen for them?  Do we overdo in the efforts of making life “easy” for them?  It is challenging to choose the way of Christ in our daily lives; however, Jesus says it is “necessary” in order to find life.  “He (Moses) chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin,” Hebrews 11:25 (NLT).  There is nothing destructive in the choices God would have us and our children to make; however, the choices that look like everyone else’s may be.

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (NKJV)

Remember, however, Jesus says that “few” choose life.   When our children find favor with God they will also ultimately find favor with man.  They will be unique, and there will be no denying the One Whom they are following.