Have you seen those social experiment videos circulating on the internet? You know, the kind where a stranger will go up to someone in a grocery store or at a gas pump and ask for something like $5 to see what their reaction will be? The video typically plays out like this: Many people say “no” or shake their head and walk away to avoid the situation. But after several attempts, there’s that one kind stranger who hands over a $5 bill. Much to his surprise, the person who did the asking then gives them a gift like $500 in return, just to repay their kindness. 

Imagine being approached in one of those videos. A stranger comes up and asks you for $5, and you contemplate helping them out. But maybe you only have $5 and were going to spend it on a snack for yourself. Maybe you don’t have any cash on you and don’t feel like going to the ATM. Maybe you’re skeptical and quickly say “no” like many other strangers in the video.

But then you keep watching and catch what happens when that other guy says “yes” and receives that generous gift. Can you imagine that feeling? Personally, I would feel jipped. I would feel disappointed in myself and filled with regret. If only I had said yes…

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says, “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."

There are many times in our lives where we choose the easiest option: Saying no to the person asking for help, retaliating when someone has wronged us, choosing to gossip instead of sticking up for the person being attacked, keeping the accidental extra change we were given at the restaurant, telling a little white lie to save ourselves embarrassment, blaming someone else for our wrong choice, the list could go on. 

These are all wide-road actions that the devil wants us to take, which lead us on a path bound for destruction.

But Jesus says to choose the narrow gate.

He helps us make choices that lead to a full and abundant life for ourselves and those around us: Helping a stranger, forgiving and praying for our enemies, sticking up for the truth and defending our neighbors, being generous and honest, and asking for forgiveness when we’re in the wrong. These narrow-gate choices lead us on a path to growing closer with our Heavenly Father. 

Now don’t get me wrong, what we do and how we approach life certainly matters, but it’s not our good works that grant us salvation. Entrance through the narrow gate is granted by the blood of Jesus alone – believing that He sacrificed his life on the cross and rose again, defeating death and the devil and granting us forgiveness. So due to His sacrifice and the Holy Spirit living in us, we can choose life! We can choose the narrow gate when the world is choosing the wide path. 

My friend, don’t miss out on life. Don’t be like the person that said “no” to helping the stranger and ended up bitter and resentful. God desperately wants you to seek him, as He is constantly seeking you. This is your sign to call out to Him today! Confess where you’ve been wrong and ask for strength to make the next right choice. Enter the narrow gate to everlasting life.

By writing these devotions, it is my hope that the Lord will use my words to stir your faith and inspire you to live it out wherever you may be. However, His Words are more powerful than mine ever could be.

For further reading and personal study, consider these verses: Matthew 7:13-23 | Luke 13:22-30 | John 10:7-10

For a time of worship, consider this song: O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship

"O come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Leave behind your regrets and mistakes. Come today, there's no reason to wait. Jesus is calling. Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy. From the ashes, a new life is born. Jesus is calling."

Like this devotion? Have an idea or a comment to share? I’d love to hear from you!

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