What's So Narrow About God's 'Narrow Way'?

Between Matthew 7 and Luke 13 Jesus tells us that a 'narrow' or 'small gate' or 'door' is the way to go because it leads to a 'narrow road' which then leads to life. Now as familiar as this story is I couldn't help but wonder recently what the road/door/gate actually is, why it's narrow and why 'few find it'.

It might seem obvious - but what do you think it is? Let me give you a full quote:

"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. (Matt 7:13-14)

He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' (Luke 13:23-25)

It sounds like a club. You know the kind where you have to have some intangible coolness to get in and Jesus is the Almighty Bouncer. Now the obvious answer is the door is the Kingdom of God - you enter and get on a road. A road?  In fact, you just get in for a chance to go on the road that 'leads to life'. Life isn't a done deal. And given the narrow roadiness it might not  be a completely happy ride to the life at the end.

Now Bibles you can get anywhere. Churches are as common as itchy elbows. So why would the Kingdom be so hard to find? And then if 'the Kingdom is within you' (Luke 17) then is the narrow door within you too? And wouldn't that make you the road? Are you a narrow road...even with the love handles and spare tyres?

What is the hardest thing for us to find, apart from our keys when we're really in a rush? It's usually ourselves. I often wish I always knew the right thing to do, and even then doing what we know is right presents its own challenges. But the most difficult challenge is being. An act is an event. You can get away with doing something you don't like. But qualities of character can't be faked. It takes being to turn the other cheek or love your enemy and to pursue such ideals every day. 

Ecclesiastes advises us,

Do not be overrighteous, 

       neither be overwise— 

       why destroy yourself?

             Do not be overwicked, 

       and do not be a fool— 

       why die before your time?

            It is good to grasp the one 

       and not let go of the other. 

       The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.

It's easier to be extreme. Especially when it comes to matters of God and faith. Extreme, dogmatic and fervent conviction is easily applied to issues, and people can be conveniently categorized beyond sympathy and respect. Then solutions are equally easily applied with no need to consider context or character. Morality led purely by documentation means quick fixes.

You can well imagine the challenge in finding the balance of forgiveness and punishment, mercy and justice, indignation and understanding. It's a fine line - a tight rope walk - a narrow way. Such things take time and are best suited for issues that have no quick fix, for people who want to become not just accomplish. Others may know it as the Middle Way or The Tao, and surely those who are able to find balance of character, emotion and thought have found life. Sounds hard, no wonder few find it. But I suspect beginning the search is at the very least entering the door and starting on the road.

(Thanks to RWG)