The Narrow Gate

The other night, I was propped up in the bed, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, when I heard a strange noise coming from the entryway. At first, I thought it was just the wind, but as the noise continued, I realized it was something else entirely.

I got up to investigate and found one of our sparrows fluttering around in a panic. She had somehow managed to fly into the entryway through a small opening in the sliding glass door, but now she couldn't find her way back out. She kept flying into the glass, over and over again, in a desperate attempt to escape.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel sadness and frustration. This poor little bird was trapped in a prison of her own making, unable to see the way to freedom that was right in front of her.  Yes, the opening to the outside was small, but she had come in that way, so she could certainly escape through there.  Bless her heart!

And then it hit me: this is exactly what happens to so many people in this world. They are trapped in a prison, unable to see the way to true freedom and salvation.

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says, "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."

Just like that little sparrow, many people are on the broad path that leads to destruction, unable to see the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. They are trapped in a cycle of sin and despair, unable to find their way out.  Sadly, some of them are so blinded that they don't even realize they are trapped.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to show them the way. We are called to be the light of the world, to shine the love of Jesus into the darkness, and to guide others to the narrow gate.  It is up to us to point the lost to the Door—Jesus Christ. He is the only way to true freedom and salvation. As John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

How can we do this? How can we help others find freedom through Christ? By living out our faith in an authentic and attractive way, by loving others unconditionally (just as Jesus loves us), and by sharing the good news of the gospel with those who are lost and hurting.

Let us learn yet another lesson from the birds and get busy showing others the way to the narrow gate that leads to eternal life. Let us be Jesus' hands and feet, reaching out to the lost and the hurting and guiding them to the One who can set them free.

We may not always see the results of our efforts, but we can trust that God is working in the hearts of those we encounter. So, let us be bold in our witness and never forget that we have the power to change lives for eternity. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."