"Because narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it." A quote from Matthew 7:14.
I am sure that most of us recognize that the quote above is the words of Our Lord. I am also sure that most of us understand the meaning of these words. I'll be honest, until I read this recently I had forgotten them. I recall thinking after reading this passage, wow,Jesus is actually saying that the way to eternal life is not all that broad and open. It is actually anything but.
This certainly contradicts what I call the "Big Tent" theory of Christianity. You know, the you can cherry pick what you choose to believe in the New Testament and you'll still be OK with God. Sadly there are many Christian faiths and denominations that do this, and worse yet, there are many that have watered down their beliefs as the culure has changed.
Jesus repeatedly said that following Him would be difficult.
Consider His words from Matthew Chapter 16: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up His cross, and follow Me." He is saying that to truly follow Him it takes total committment and devotion.
Part of this effort involves following all His words and dictates. It appears to me that far too many Christians have come to believe the lie that being "saved by Grace" allows you to pretty much live as you think a Christian should live. But, does your perception match up with what Jesus said? I know at one time I fell victim to that lie.
So how do I know if I am living under my perception of what Jesus wants or His? His words from John 15 will give you an indication: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." A verse or two down Jesus declares:
"If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
You may not have been persecuted for your Christian faith in this country(yet) and be thankful for that, but, people in certain cities of America have as well as far too many Christians around this world.
A few questions to ask in closing:
Do your friends and acquaintances know you are a committed Christian?
Are you in this world but not of this world?
Remember--"narrow is the gate."
I am sure that most of us recognize that the quote above is the words of Our Lord. I am also sure that most of us understand the meaning of these words. I'll be honest, until I read this recently I had forgotten them. I recall thinking after reading this passage, wow,Jesus is actually saying that the way to eternal life is not all that broad and open. It is actually anything but.
This certainly contradicts what I call the "Big Tent" theory of Christianity. You know, the you can cherry pick what you choose to believe in the New Testament and you'll still be OK with God. Sadly there are many Christian faiths and denominations that do this, and worse yet, there are many that have watered down their beliefs as the culure has changed.
Jesus repeatedly said that following Him would be difficult.
Consider His words from Matthew Chapter 16: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up His cross, and follow Me." He is saying that to truly follow Him it takes total committment and devotion.
Part of this effort involves following all His words and dictates. It appears to me that far too many Christians have come to believe the lie that being "saved by Grace" allows you to pretty much live as you think a Christian should live. But, does your perception match up with what Jesus said? I know at one time I fell victim to that lie.
So how do I know if I am living under my perception of what Jesus wants or His? His words from John 15 will give you an indication: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." A verse or two down Jesus declares:
"If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
You may not have been persecuted for your Christian faith in this country(yet) and be thankful for that, but, people in certain cities of America have as well as far too many Christians around this world.
A few questions to ask in closing:
Do your friends and acquaintances know you are a committed Christian?
Are you in this world but not of this world?
Remember--"narrow is the gate."
Many thanks for taking the time to read my posts. Scroll down from here and you will see 50+ articles and other posts. If you know anyone who might enjoy this page please let them know about us.
My one Blog just below here is from eight years ago: www.worksfromfaith.blogspot.com
The next one is this Facebook page, it was designed for those who don't use Facebook www.ofwhatoursaviorspoke.blogspot.com
My one Blog just below here is from eight years ago: www.worksfromfaith.blogspot.com
The next one is this Facebook page, it was designed for those who don't use Facebook www.ofwhatoursaviorspoke.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment