“Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the children of
Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved. For He will finish
the work and cut it short in righteousness, Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.” (Romans
9:27-28)
I’m sure you
have heard the term “radical christain”. What does being a radical christain
mean to you? Webster defines radical as being very different from the usual or
traditional: Extreme.
What if I
read to you the scripture found in Matthew 7:13-14, but read it so that it
mirrors the way most people who call themselves “Christians” live. It would
read like this… “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. Because narrow is the
gate and easy is the way which leads to life, and there are many who find it.” If you read this carefully, you will see that
is NOT what scripture says. However, that is the way many so-called “Christians”
live.
A few
days ago, I had a conversation with someone discussing a movie I recently watched
with my wife. I told him how I was sad and disgusted to see how much darkness
was in the movie. I understand it’s just a movie but it was glorifying the
fantasy of vampires, witches, warlocks, and demons! I can’t stand to experience
in any way the things that Jesus died for. Just like my wife says… “If Jesus
died for it, then it isn’t funny and should not be glorified.” I went on to
talk about how important it is to live a life glorifying to God, to live
without that garbage polluting our minds. I was very surprised to hear my
friend say, “Well yes, the gate is narrow but the path is wide.” I could not
believe my ears! Jesus says the way is difficult and it is narrow! It is narrow
because of His commandments and His commandments are to protect and guide us.
Today we
are looking into the eighteenth topic on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus is teaching,
which is “The Narrow Way”. Matthew 7:13-14… Jesus says, “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. Because narrow is the gate and
difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
The Lord tells us to
repent and follow Him. Notice He says only a few find that path and choose to
live on it. Dear ones, those on the narrow path are the only ones who will be
saved! They are the remnant! We need to live in the way that is difficult. What
makes it difficult? Well, I believe there are several reasons. One, our human
nature to have what we want whenever we want it that is so opposite from what
the bible teaches. Second, we live in a prideful world that caters to the
flesh. Third, Satan rules this world and is in constant pursuit to steal our
heavenly rewards, kill our spirit, and destroy our relationship with Jesus.
Now, here is the problem.
Too many times we read and listen to half of the truth. We read this passage
and only focus on one part of it. The gate is narrow because it is by only one
way we can be saved and that is by Jesus the Christ! See, even people who
confess to be christains are deceived today. They don’t have a problem with John
14:6 “Jesus said
to him, “I am the way, the truth, and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This is
what we are always taught. However, we cannot stop there! We need to read the
whole truth and not just the part that is comfortable. Jesus says the “Way” is
difficult (NIV says “But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life…”). The “Way” is how we are living our life. Dear saints, we need to be
very careful how we live. Do not let yourself get caught up in the ways of this
world because the ways of this world are on the wide path headed for
destruction.
Lets get back to this
term “Radical Christain”. Are you willing to be extreme about your walk with
God? Are you willing to take the criticism from others even if they are
Christians who choose otherwise? Because I guarantee you that is what it’s
going to take. If you are not struggling a little with the things this world
has to offer, chances are you have given yourself to it. If your not being made
fun of because of your faith, chances are you aren’t living a way to give
others that edge. If your not being criticized for being over the top with
wanting to please God, chances are you have made some compromises with the Word
of God.
Reflection:
We need to be radical Christains set apart not only
from this world but also set apart from being just comfortable enough to be
considered a Christain and yet live doing, saying, listening, being apart of
the things that Jesus died for. Live on the NARROW way!!!
Challenge:
Challenge yourself by making a
list of things that you like to take part in that compromises what Jesus died
for. Do you like to watch movies that glorify black magic like witches, vampires
or sorcery? Do you like to head off to the casinos or play the lotto? Do you
like to watch TV shows that show sexual activity even if they are innuendos?
Ask the Lord if He approves of your activities and most of all be honest with
Him and His answer. Do you have a conviction about them?
-Doug McGowan
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