Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
In this passage, which is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking to a large crowd about how the Jewish religious leaders were leading them astray. As many are doing today. Showing up to church, every revival doing the work. Having the appearance of salvation but no change within their hearts, mind, body or soul. Believing titles, positions or who we know can get us into heaven. It's not who you know but who you truly have faith in Jesus Christ he is the gift given there is salvation in no other. It's not in our works.
The wide gate so much of what we see today. Our culture characterized by being self-dependent, self-absorbed, finding myself. No find Jesus. It's more than appearing righteous on social media. It's more than showing up for the Church Anniversary when who we consider everybody who's somebody is present and looking like we are doing a work. (Outer appearance) yet a heart full of hatred, A hand closed to those in need. A mouth that bleeds gossip and discord.
We must have a personal relationship with Jesus on the inside and if we do it will show up on the outside. The change we so desperately need we can not make without Christ Jesus it is in him we have the ability to love in perfection, forgive in perfection, give with a cheerful heart. Not in works, promotion or titles. It's in him we find the narrow path that leads to life.
Amen