Scripture: Matthew 7:13
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.”
Thought for the Day: In the translation known as the Message, it renders the ‘wide gate’ as the easy way, the surefire way, that everyone is trying to get you to buy. “Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.” Whether that’s the perfect translation of this verse or not, it remains good advice in a time when every bookstore has a thousand books with a ‘Get Religion Quick’ program. Discipleship has no shortcuts. Bill Cosby said, “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” I think fear of failure is what often drives people to the simple three-step schemes of faith. It makes folks feel like they got a little religion, yet in the end, I find those folks in my office wondering why the plan failed them when an actual crisis occurred. Jesus demanded a lot of his disciples, not because he was a taskmaster, but because he understood that life can be difficult. For that reason, he desired for us to be equipped with the tools of faith… a process that has no shortcuts. Be about the work of discipleship, and though many will tempt you with the “Find Jesus in Three Easy Steps” program for only $49.99, politely decline the offer. We have some serious work to do.
Prayer: Your grace is beyond measure, O Lord of Infinite Love, yet the process of understanding and utilizing this marvelous gift takes a lot of effort. Your gift will always be there for me even if I don’t put in the work, but when I do, the joy I experience is exponentially greater than any effort I put forth. Amen.
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