Eternal Perspectives: Let's Follow Jesus Down the Narrow Path
Narrow paths are rarely easy to follow. But the rewards their ends promise are well worth the effort—and price. Heavenly peace and joy with Jesus, here we come! We can depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us each step.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
The Narrow Path
It’s not always easy to walk a narrow path. One year when my husband and I visited British Columbia, we decided to hike along a mountain ridge. The white-knuckled walk along that skinny path was one of the most difficult I’d ever taken. My focus had to remain as narrow as a laser beam. I dared not trust a sideways glance. But the ultimate view was worth the effort.
We can compare our physical walks to that of our spiritual. Some of the moral dilemmas we face seem distrustfully rocky and steep, foretelling a fearful end. Jesus told His followers, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) Such a metaphor is meant to cause us to consider where we place our trust.
Riches come in a variety of forms. Besides money, we may feel rich in our education or intelligence, our family heritage or physique, even our religion. Such riches can lead to a sense of self-trust, self-confidence, or selfishness. In other words, they can lead to self-importance.
God’s kingdom, however, requires that we submit to His will and Word rather than our own or someone else’s. Entry into His kingdom assures us of His love and salvation, His peace and joy, and the confidence of being in right standing with Him. There are no greater riches.
Living in an imperfect world, however, means we may face unwelcome side roads that can cause us to slip off our narrow path. Excessive wealth, illness, disaster, and untold other negative events can easily become those hidden, slippery rocks that propel us downward.
The good news is that Jesus offers help. He knows our weaknesses and encourages us to remain focused on His narrow path. “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) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
Lord, thank You for Your kingdom filled with riches that don’t compare to those around us. Cause us to remain steadfast on Your narrow path and keep us from stumbling. Help us focus on the goal, which is eternity with You, our loving Savior and Lord. In His name, we pray, amen.