Be One of the Few that Find the Narrow Gate

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:14 NKJV

In a story titled “Barefoot runner draws curiosity, and the occasional look of reproach, as he softly treads the city” published by the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this week, it was reported that “Ken Schuch, an accountant who lives Downtown and runs five days a week, is training for the Chicago Marathon.” But he’s not doing it in a way that most runners do. He runs around the city barefoot, something that causes people to look twice at him as if “he’s exited polite society.” “It’s not a new thing, but it’s rare,” said Schuch, an accountant. “I’ve never seen another barefoot runner Downtown, so I understand the curious looks, but it’s mostly positive interactions, a lot of thumbs-up and smiles.” Schuch, like thousands of runners who flood the lakefront in August and September, is training for the Oct. 12 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. There’s no rule against running the marathon barefoot, Chicago Marathon spokesperson Alex Sawyer said. Race officials don’t track how many people do it, but it’s certainly an extremely small number, she said.

Barefoot running isn't the only thing an extremely small number of people do though. The Bible tells us that only “a few” people will seek and find “the way which leads to life.” Why? “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way..” You see, most people will choose the wide and easy path, because it's the path that allows them to blend in with “polite society," aka the world. They will go along with the ever-changing thoughts, narratives, and patterns of the world because it’s the broad way that embraces sin and avoids persecution, hardship, sacrifice, and obedience.

‘“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” Matthew 7:13

Unfortunately, though, this easy and broad road “is the way that leads to destruction” and there will be many who will run with all their might to "go in by it." And, you can be sure they will regret their decision for doing so when they experience the consequences of rejecting Jesus… namely eternity in hell.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matthew 12:30

Now, if this has you saying “But Melissa, I know all about Jesus. I just haven’t decided to follow Him completely,” then let me remind you of this. When speaking with the disciples, Jesus was very clear that there was no middle ground when it comes to following Him. The words Jesus spoke, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” could not be any more clear. You’re either sold out for Jesus or you're sold out for Satan. You’re either running with shoes or without shoes. There’s no middle ground. Period.

So, if you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus with your whole heart, what are you waiting for my friend? No one is guaranteed their next breath and there will be no second chances to make the decision from the grave. With that in mind then, I hope you’ll choose to follow Jesus today and run with Him all the way to the finish line.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are only two choices when it comes to following You… we do it with our WHOLE heart or not at all. Help us to share this message with boldness Lord, and to be so joy-filled and set apart as we walk along the narrow road that people are inspired to seek You and to walk alongside us on the only road that leads to eternal life. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!