Matthew 7:13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
This passage of scripture teaches us that we must choose between one of only two options, as far as our destiny goes, for the only two brought to view in these verses are the broad way and the straight and narrow path. The straight and narrow path, which is not found by the majority of earth's inhabitants, is the one in which God sets the parameters for living and conduct, and is a path which is not subject to negotiation on the part of the human agent, for as far as true Christians are concerned, if God says it, we believe it, and that settles it, period.
But in the broad way which leads to destruction, anything goes, and the human agent is now allowed to invent laws and principles of their own devising, with no regards whatsoever, for what God says in His word. Thus we have two entirely distinct modes of thought and action which affect what we do and the choices we make. If we were asked to draw a "Straight" line, there is only one type of line that will emerge, for straight is straight. e.g --------. However if we were asked to come up with lines of our own devising, a host of different shapes and sizes will emerge, for in this latter scenario, anything goes. e.g ( ~ { [^ ,\ ! )
In the days of Christ when He walked this earth, a young man once came to Him, asking the question that is so very important to every soul, saying "What shall I do to be saved". Then in His usual manner of straight speech, Christ answered "Keep the commandments". But this straight-shooting answer did not bode well with the young ruler, for he was very rich, and desired a broader road to travel on, by which he could incorporate his own philosophies of life, and employ his own variable principles of righteousness, by which the end justifies the means, and where profit takes precedence over principle, whenever the two conflict.
Thus it was, that he made his choice for the broad way, in which anything goes, and from that time forward, his decision was never afterward reversed, because as was stated before, there are only two options on the table to choose from, and as far as destiny and spiritual things go, there is no such thing as middle ground, or even sitting on the fence. Let's read:
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him".... "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Many of us are still making those same choices between the straight and narrow way, and the broad path which leads to destruction. On some of the current moral issues facing our nation, some have come down decidedly on the side of righteousness, by standing firm for principle and Biblical truth, in the midst of a firestorm of resistance and persecution. But others, who prefer the "Broad" way have adopted the satanic doctrine of inclusiveness, by which agents of evil are bent on bringing in doctrines and pagan practices into the church, under the disguise of love and mercy, thereby destabilizing millions of unwary people, and causing the kingdom of God to suffer reproach.
The Bible teaches us that any serious or meaningful relationship with Christ, will of necessity involve self-denial, for there are things which the natural heart craves which we will not be able to do, if we desire to keep our Christianity intact. To put it bluntly, if a person is not willing to deny self, in any and all things as The Lord stipulates, he cannot be a disciple of Christ, for the way of salvation was paved in self denial, and the way of the cross leads to the place of crucifixion. Let's read:
Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 27 "Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Let us therefore choose wisely by deciding to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal, for whosoever chooses thus, will never be ashamed when The Son of man shall come to receive His own. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that we be wise in our daily choices, so that God would be well pleased to call us His peculiar people. Let's read:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!