Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:13-14 KJV
(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.
Today’s Devotional Is THE BROAD AND NARROW WAY
EACH SOUL PRESENTS THESE TWO TRAILS AT THE EARTH OF LIFE. Each of us has a strong love for life and a desire to make the most of every year. Amiel explains this passion for life by saying: “A passionate desire to live, feel, express, stirred my deepest heart.” A host of aspirations overwhelmed me. One would be compelled to devour the entire world, learn everything and conquer all.
Each of us awakens to strong natural instincts in our early years. We are tempted to argue that if God has given these strong desires to me, then why shouldn’t they be satisfied? I don’t think it is right to let these fiery horses lead me wherever they will. This is how to get through the wide gate and take the wide road. It is the way society uses–the majority go in there. It is also the way of the universe. Anyone who follows this path, allowing strong natural impulses to dictate his course, should be afraid that he will be labelled strange or eccentric.
The broad path is, at first, quite easy and enjoyable. The boat is launched onto the stream and glides along the slope of the road. It’s easy to walk, the sun shines brightly, and it is a pleasure to ride on the flowing stream. To a life of self-indulgence, however, there is only one way to go.
There is an even better way but it is too narrow to accept the trailing garments of passionate longing, too narrow to allow pride, self-indulgence and greed to impede our ability to see the Way of the Cross. But it leads to life! All of us want to live a full life. The remarkable thing about this is that people who seek to maximize their lives through self-indulgence lose everything, while those who follow Christ win everything. This is the lamentation of our Lord. Few people find this path. Let us place our trust in Him, so He can lead us to the path of life, which “brings forth more light unto the perfect day.”
PRAYER for Today
Dear Lord, just as Enoch walked with Thee in ancient times, so should we. Choose the narrow path and order our steps in Thy direction, and graciously walk alongside us. AMEN.