Matthew 7:14     

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

The reason why many people choose the broad way is that it is easier to travel. By nature, we humans are averse to anything that brings pain, difficulty or constriction, so the broadway always seems to be more convenient and accessible. The broadway is simply easier to manage and simpler to maintain. Many can escape the destruction which awaits those who choose the more comfortable life, but many will not escape this horrific end because their daily choices are for the easy life.

Constriction is a natural identity for those who want to enter eternal life. The discipline of constriction is a critical aspect of the pilgrim life; it’s inevitable for those who seek heaven’s gates. The narrow gate constraints. The narrow gate limits. The narrow gate is inconvenient. The narrow gate cuts off several expedient things. The narrow gate is not a gate for those who desire the comfortable life. If you are living at ease and permitting your desires to naturally find expression without any sense of restrictions from the Holy Spirit, then you may already be on the broad path to destruction. If you notice that God is always limiting you and always pulling you back from certain things and people and always restraining you from those natural pleasures which others seem to enjoy freely; then you are blessed because you have found the narrow gate and the difficult path that leads to eternal life. Rejoice in the constraining way. Rejoice in the constriction. Rejoice because unto such as walk this path, are the splendors of the endless, eternal joy of God.

“Father, I will not flee the constraining life. Father, I embrace constriction; indeed, I rejoice in it, for it is those whom You love that You still constrain. For those already doomed to destruction, they are free from all restrictions. Lord, never grant me the freedom from Your constraints and constrictions, for only thereby can I be assured of Your continued involvement in my life. This I plead for, in Jesus name. Amen.”