PASS

I took a test this morning which held two possible outcomes: pass or fail.

The outcome would depend upon my ability to comprehend a series of questions and to, hopefully, answer the questions correctly. 

As with any pass or fail test, there is no opportunity to practice one’s negotiating skills in hopes of changing the outcome; personality, charm and giftedness in the area of debate is not factored into the final decision.

I found the black and white option of pass or fail a bit harsh and unbending; but as you might have guessed, the computerized testing center did not ask my beliefs or thoughts regarding the matter.

This situation got me thinking about a passage in the Gospel of Matthew from the Sermon on the Mount  regarding the narrow and wide gate. (Mt. 7:13&14).  Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

In this particular scripture, the metaphor of a gate being wide or narrow refers to the easiness or comfort to go one way versus the discipline and significant demands required to go the other way.   The narrow gate and the confined path of the disciples are quite the opposite of the broad path and wide gate chosen by the masses. 

The way taught by Jesus, upon which we are invited to travel, although more rigorous, and likely to be filled with suffering, sacrifice and persecution; is also a way of grace.  It is only by the grace of God that we can find the narrow gate, which is the way of life.

We are not given a third option, there remain only two options.  Neither do we get to set the rules; they remain unchanged in black and white, for our own good.

If we choose to enter through the narrow gate, there is an echo of joy and fulfillment in finding this way of life.  David reminds us in Psalm 34:19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Again, we see that the call to righteousness occurs in the context of the reality of grace.

Thankfully, everything we need to know regarding life and death can be found in God’s Word.  As we study His Word, we are changed.  Passing or failing is no longer viewed through man’s lens, instead our hearts are seen through God’s lens of grace and mercy. When we choose to walk daily in obedience to God,  submitting our will to the better choice of God’s will, we need not worry-- we have found the narrow gate which leads to life.

Stay the Course...

Sheila

Today’s Prayer: “Father, we thank You for Your goodness.  You are our strength, oh Lord.  In our daily pursuit of holiness and righteousness, may we be reminded that holiness and righteousness are not a feeling but rather the end product of obedience.  Thank You for Your grace in leading us to the narrow gate; we ask for strength to stay the course, especially during difficult stretches when strong winds strive to push us off course.  The gift of Life has been given to us by no merit of our own.  Help Your church, Father, as we stand united in our desire to advance Your Kingdom; may we not allow the schemes of the devil to divide us in the days to come.  Hold us tightly, Father. We love You.  In Jesus name, amen."