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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.

There is always a message for the crowd, and a message for disciples. The message in the verses above was taken from the Sermon on the Mount, which was the first recorded public Sermon of Jesus. He went with his own disciples to the top of the mountain and sat down to teach them. The crowd stood at the foot of the mountain listening to Him. Do not be fooled by the size of the crowd or the sound of the applause. You need the crowd to listen to the message about Christ and the gift of salvation He offers, but you need to keep your heart free from the distractions that the responses of men can generate. Not all who hear the message will immediately react and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Not all who hear now will respond now. All I can do is to focus on my own walk of faith and be sure I am on the right path of the purpose of God for me, and that I stand to inherit the place He has prepared for me. 

For all who are disciples, I am certain you know that there is only one Way. No other way has been prescribed by God to provide access to the riches of His grace. God makes clear who this Way is, as well as the standards of behaviour that are expected from those who belong to the Way. Nowhere does God promise that the Way will always be smooth and free of trials and tough times, but the greatest blessing of being in this right Way is the assurance of its eternal destination. One definition of strait is 'close, strict, or rigorous'. Reflect on this: God calls us to walk in the path that is close, strict or rigorous. He knows that the world has a certain appeal, but He also knows the end of all that the world promises. There is nothing this world gives you that it will not eventually take away. You cannot rely on the ephemeral, temporal world to secure eternal life. That is not the kind of life that the world can secure for you. 

It is not a wonder that the verses above make clear that several people are on the wide and broad gate and way. This gate and way do not really demand anything special from those who are on it. They permit anything and can excuxe anything. They do not really address the heart and soul of those who are on thess paths. When your heart no longer pricks you about your life's choices and pursuits, please be sure that you are still on the right path. When that which used to shock you no longer has the same effect, please check again and be sure that you are on the right path. Many are comfortable on the path that leads to destruction, but few find and stay on the path that leads to life. In fact, the verses above say that there are few that find it. Finding means you need to search for it. It may come with a lot of discipline and sacrifice, but the eternal benefits are worth it. Please be sure that your current situation leads to eternal life with God. Nothing else matters. God's time of favour is here.