Thoughts for the Day

Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, 'Lord, will only a few be saved?' He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.'

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The word 'narrow' is important today in our reading. Luke speaks of us striving to enter the narrow door. In Matthew's gospel it is a narrow gate, and in one of my favourite books, 'Pilgrim's Progress' it is a narrow path. All these images mean the same thing.

The wide, easy-access path in life leads somewhere we shouldn't go - certainly not to heaven - it is not God's way. For Christian and Hopeful trying to get to the Celestial City, there is a wide easy path through a meadow alongside another difficult and narrow path. Seduced by the lovely scene they climb the stile and start along this easy way, only to find it leads to Doubting Castle and Giant Despair.

Jesus doesn't say our journey will be easy in this life, and sometimes we must make ourselves choose the narrow door or the narrow path. Weigh up the choices about any action you need to take, and think about the end result, rather than the difficulties you may face. Be true to your faith!

Sunday 11th October, follow up thoughts

Lord Jesus,
help us to stop and think
before we make decisions;
to weigh up the consequences;
to not take the easy option;
and to ask for Your help,
before we take any action.
Amen.