The Narrow Gate

Jesus said, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

- Matthew 7:12-14

Matthew concluded the Sermon on the Mount, ending with “The Golden Rule:” love God and love your neighbor. Jesus teaches that discipleship leads us into costly love. While the road with the crowd is wide and roomy, Jesus’ path is narrow and restricted because of the loyalty and devotion required to be in a godly relationship.

Thirty years ago, I asked the managing partner of my architecture firm when I would be made partner. He said, “When we see that architecture is the number one priority in your life.” I realized that God, my wife, and my family took priority over architecture.” That question and my answer shaped the direction of my life. My life went from being wide open to being much narrower. But I had no regrets because Jesus was directing me into a deeper relationship with him.

My relationship with Jesus has led me to love others more sacrificially over time. After a nineteen-year-old boy took the life of his mother, father, and five-year-old brother, I asked God what I was supposed to do? The answer came quickly to my prayerful question: “Love him like his parents would want you to love him.” Unbelievably, I have been able to love him and have never had any bitterness in my heart towards him. This exemplifies how a relationship with Jesus affects our relationships with others.

Is there someone in your life you need to love more sacrificially? Take time to pray to the Lord about it.

Prayer

O God of love, we pray thee to give us love:

Love in our thinking, love in our speaking,

Love in our doing, and love in the hidden places of our souls;

Love of our neighbors near and far;

Love of our friends, old and new;

Love of those with whom we find it hard to bear,

And love of those who find it hard to bear with us;

Love of those with whom we work,

And love of those with whom we take our ease;

Love in joy, love in sorrow;

Love in life and love in death;

That so at length we may be worthy to swell with thee,

Who art eternal love.

(William Temple, 1881-1944)