Choose the Narrow Way

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

"Choose the narrow way" requires such practical action from us. A Christian must willingly take limitations upon his or her self in order to stay on the narrow path. Imagine a wall to the left and a wall to the right of the course set before you-- what do they represent? They are there not to deprive you of what's behind them, not to harm you or somehow make your race miserable; they are there to keep you on track, keep you focused, and keep other distractions from leading you astray! These walls are built by standards, commitments and pre-determined decisions that will be greatly instrumental in our "winning the race".


Note that not only the gate is "narrow" (Jn. 14:6) but the way is "narrow". We can not run with baggage, there is no room! Jesus said, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Lk. 14:33) I've not read of one Christian hero who accomplished much for God but that he first had every earthly tie severed from his heart that the will of God might freely, fully reign within him.

Proverbs 4:25-27 exhorts us in saying, "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

No man, having put his hand to the plough,
and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

Helpful Verses to Memorize:

Ephesians 2:2-6 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Proverbs 4:26-27 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.