The Narrow Gate

"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. Matthew 7:13-14

I have been thinking a lot about the above passage the past couple of days. I have a picture in my mind of this gate that is hidden like the gate in the movie The Secret Garden. Yet, I have found this gate and I have the key.

Then this morning I came across another scripture that has me really thinking. It is found in John.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13

I am blessed with awesome friends. I have dear friends that I have known for years and I have wonderful friends that I have only known a short time. This morning I am thinking about all of my friends. Some of my friends are strong Christians that have played a big role in my faith journey. Some of my friends don't even go to church.

I do not judge, I do not know for sure where any of them are at on their faith journey. However, I think about these two scriptures and my heart aches. We all struggle with life. Some of us are dealing with loss and sickness, some of us are dealing with financial issues, some of us have tough marriages, and the list goes on and on.

I like to think that I would do anything for my friends. I hope that if any of them ever need anything they would feel comfortable to call me and ask me for help. I love my friends and the relationships that I have formed with all of these wonderful women.

My mind wanders back to the gate that leads to everlasting life. The gate in which I have found the key. . . I can do a lot of things to show my friends that I care, but am I sharing with them the key that I have found so that they can also walk through this narrow gate?

It is very easy for me to sit with some of my friends and talk about my relationship with Christ, but I have other friends that it is not a subject that is ever talked about. Why is it so hard? I love the Lord with all of my heart and He has changed my life. So, why can't I share my story with everyone?

I have a girlfriend right now that is on a tough road. I want to reach out to her, but I don't know how. I have spent the last two days praying for her and the opportunities that I will have to show Christ's love to her. My mind just keeps going to the image of a gate and a beautiful key.

I know that I did not discover this key to hide it and enjoy the relationship I have with Christ in secret. I tell myself that I would lay down my life for my friends, but it terrifies me to think about sharing Christ with them.

My prayer today is that everyone that is reading this post will think about this beautiful gate that leads to everlasting life. Let us not let the gate remain hidden. Some may still choose not to enter through this small gate, but I do not want to ever feel like I could have shown them this gate, yet I remained silent.

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47