The Narrow Gate

‘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 one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:13-21

The Narrow Gate

The soft sand and the gentle breeze

fool so many who truly believe

their work and wealth will save them

and this opulence is a  tricky mirage.

The dark, rough alleys bring life

the rough roads we complain about

the servant roles we wish to shed

all these find us the heart of God.

We hate to struggle and be pruned

loath the discipline of the weeding

yet we flourish as we are stretched

love comes in showers in the night.

Lean in and keep climbing up

this short lived struggle fades

in the brilliant mountain top

where even the broken will dance.