The Narrow Gate Leads To Life Everlasting
LENT 2023 | DAY 25
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
(Tony Tng, Chairperson, Missions)
READ:
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
Playing as a young boy in my early kampong days was so much fun. The playground was wide and spacious. The group of us would play like there was no tomorrow. It was tiring but fun. The next day, we would do the same again. That was good when the weather was sunny. However, after a heavy downpour, the playground became soggy and muddy except for a narrow path that led to the higher ground in the centre. That did not deter us from carefully treading along this narrow path to reach the dry ground to play. Anyone who did not focus or tread with care would slip off the path and into the mud. If that happens, it would lead to a big scolding from our mothers when we reached home. At times, we boys would hold on to one another as we walked the narrow path, preventing anyone from falling into the mud. We definitely relished the feeling of achievement whenever we reached the higher ground without getting muddy!
This memory of my younger days reminds me that the narrow path is never easy to tread but once we have navigated it, we will find something rewarding. In these two verses, Christ reminds me that the narrow path will bring me to the gate that leads into the Kingdom of God where there is life. This is the path of Christ and it is the only way into the Household of God. To walk this narrow path, I need discipline, including spiritual discipline, to persevere and keep distractions away. I also need companions to encourage and support me, to prevent me from falling off the narrow path. At the end of this path is Christ who is the Way and the gate that welcomes me into His Kingdom.
I need to walk this challenging but right path with fellow believers as my companions in Christ. I want to be the few that will find the gate at the end of this narrow path and be rewarded with everlasting life.
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. What makes people prefer to enter the wide gate via a broad road, even if that leads to destruction? Is it difficult for you to avoid this path?
2. Discuss the importance of spiritual disciplines in helping us to enter the small gate via a narrow path. Choose one or two spiritual disciplines to practise as a family.
3. Think of people you can call or rely on to walk with you on this narrow road that leads to life.
