The Narrow Gate

Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." Matthew 7:13-21 

 As a full-bodied, round adult, there are many places that seem tight and small to me. For other, more slender folks, these places would be adequate. I also have a touch of claustrophobia, and don't enjoy being in big crowds and enclosed places. And yet, I love holding loved ones close and snuggling with my children. I love be snuggled and wrapped tight in my bed.

Jesus tells his followers to enter through the narrow gate. This isn't about squeezing into tight places, or being thin, but rather, is about choosing to live humbly and as a servant. Royalty got the wide doors held open for them, the poor and humble entered through the back small places in order to serve. Our lives are to be lived producing good fruit, humble and sharing with others.

Today I ask God to help me enter each day humble and ready to serve. May we all be willing to not shame others, but instead, to make room for all at the table by giving up the best so others may thrive.