“Enter by the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13)
Christian Life is a way to orthodoxy. It is the straightforward in spirituality. As we have one Lord, one Baptism, one religion, no other way can enrich us to the kingdom of heaven than the good way of Orthodox Christianity.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has warned us about entering the broad way, “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)
As difficult as it is, Christian life is the only road to redemption and eternity. But the broad way might be easy, comfortable and pleasurable in this world. Its temptation consumption of sustenance, trendiness, fornication and sin.
The universe presents all kinds of luxury tempting for the fulfillment of worldly desire and thus any one consumed by its temptation leads to failure. A man is drawn to all the sins our Lord hates if he is consumer of corporeal needs only. He becomes gluttony, gambler, gossiper, promiscuous and malevolent.
The wise King Solomon said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverb 14:12) These words are the message to the whole world, for this globe has become deceptive by the days, with the Satanic scam spreading all over. The more we commit sin, the more the enemy devil dwells in us and our habitation. All the luxuries we observe on the pupil of the enemy and the so called “powerful countries” of this generation, are Satan’s instrument of bringing down mankind in to everlasting fire.
The tasteful foods and beverages we consume for our daily bread, not only hinders us to pray and fast, but also are bewilderment to any kind of goodness. The fashionable clothes we wear for the temporary splendor, draws us to worship of idol; The desire of fame and worldly power changes us to evil.
The deceptive road is Satan’s way and scam of tempting and dragging mankind to sinful act, spiritual failure and evilness. If we are not to triumph our corporeal desire, it is what drag is into the enemy’s nest. we have to limit our consumption of sustenance, abstain from fornication and luxury.
However, the narrow gate or the good way is the Christian life we are given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by His crucifixion. All created in the likeliness and image of Holy Trinity, is bestowed life through the Lord’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
The good way is the spiritual life we lead by keeping the commandment of God, liturgy of the church and Christian endeavors. Our Lord said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:6) And thus, if we live spiritual life in the order and the will of God, we become spiritual people.
The good way is the narrow gate as it is said in Saint Matthew gospel, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14) Though we might suffer for now, bearing the hunger, thirst, coldness and deprivation, it is of the essence to realize the heavenly virtue we are to be given when we finish our run.
May God’s mercy and benevolence be with us, Amen!