I’m captivated by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14. In fact, I’ve started to recite them as a part of my devotional time every morning: 

“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.”

What do we need to be successful on the narrow path? 

We need the grace and help of God. We need faithfulness to Jesus and his word. We need to live in a way which is loving and consistent with those words.

We also need other people. People on the narrow path need people on the narrow path.

Even though we have different personalities and experiences, other people who are also on the narrow path are going to have the same big picture goals as you; they are going to be headed to the same destination as you; they are going to be growing in Christlikeness like you; and they are going to experience some of the same setbacks and frustrations as you.

People who go through battle together, bond. Soldiers who fight together experience an intense solidary and unity. Imagine the bond that the soldiers experienced who survived the landings on the beaches of Normandy. 

A study from another part of the world showed that 45% of soldiers felt more connected with their fellow soldiers than they did to their own biological families. Lead author of the study, Harvey Whitehouse from Oxford University, stated: “This research suggests that the old adage about ‘bonding in adversity’ is true.”*

And so can it be for disciples of Jesus who are actually trying to live like disciples of Jesus. “Enter through the narrow gate.”

People on the narrow path need people on the narrow path.

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Notes and extra content:

–NEW: “What happens to babies when they die?” This question was recently submitted through Westminster’s Q & A Forum. Click here to listen to or read my response.

–“What people on the narrow path need.” Sermon. April 21, 2024. Click here.

–*As quoted here. Accessed April 18, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.