I have what I personally call “God Speaks” moments. These are times when I receive a word from God that is clear and direct, and I know that I know that I know that it is straight from God to me.
The other morning, I woke up to a “God Speaks.” It was clear and direct, and He said, “Strait and narrow.”
I walked into the bathroom meditating on “Strait and narrow.” Why was God telling me “Strait and narrow?”
Strait Gate and Narrow Way
Then I reflected on Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV).
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Strait in this context means narrow. Therefore the NIV reads:
“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.”
That was when it dawned on me that God was trying to get my attention regarding my writing ministry and my love walk.
Before this particular “God Speaks” moment, I had been “Christian blog surfing.” This is when I spend time browsing through various Christian blogs to get encouraged by the Word of God. However, in getting edified, I also analyze writing styles, blog presentations, themes, writing topics, genres, etc. And yes, I must confess, I also compare blogs to mine.
Secondly, I had houseguests, and hospitality does not come naturally to my flesh. As a pre-teen/teenager living in a dormitory in boarding school, I would make my bed and put a “DO NOT SIT” sign on it. My flesh’s idea of personal space is HUGE! But the Bible clearly instructs us to put off the flesh and put on the Spirit. (See Ephesians 4:22-24, Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:10, Colossians 2:11.)
The Stop Sign
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has been teaching me to walk in love ALL the time, even when I do not feel like it. However, I was beginning to get weary of doing good.
So on awakening, God got my attention with a STOP sign.
He reminded me of His command to walk in love, which means I must be kind and hospitable to my guests (John 13:34-35, John 15:12). He was basically warning me to stay true to my call and not get tempted to tweak His message in an attempt to get into the Christian blogging community and increase my “following.”
There’s NO room for compromise in our walk with the Lord. No room to sway to the right or the left. We must keep a close watch on how we live our lives and stay true to God’s call on our lives (1 Timothy 4:16). The broad way is the convenient way of the flesh, but the narrow way is the way of God marked by love, holiness, and purity.
Living by the Spirit
The Bible clearly states that “if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Therefore, the broad way is the way of death, while the narrow way leads to life eternal.
We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, and be careful to obey ALL that He has commanded us (Hebrews 12:2, Deuteronomy 6:25).
I quickly repented of my offenses and got back on the strait and narrow path because I love God, and my heart desires to please Him above all else.
Conclusion
What does the instruction to enter through the narrow gate mean to you?
Is God asking you to commit your life fully to Him, walk in love, forgive someone, quit gossiping, slandering, and backbiting, mind your language, dress modestly, witness to someone ……?
My prayer for us is that we would wake up daily and make the conscious decision to live life God’s way in every situation because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. To do so is to remain daily in the strait and narrow way.
Except indicated, all Scriptures are from the New International Version (NIV).
Thank you again for your beautiful blog. It really blessed me and opened my heart to receive and welcome guests this summer while walking in love. I must confess that I was feeling that my space would be “violated again” but the gentle words of the Spirit from your blog helped me realize what I must do.
It’s awesome when we obey Christ??
Thank you.
Hello Pastor Helen,
Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words. It’s all by God’s grace.
I’m honored that God spoke to your heart through this post and yes, it’s always awesome and powerful when we obey Christ. I see you having a beautiful summer already.
You are blessed!!
A reality check. No matter where you are in your walk, you need a shake sometimes to ensure you are en route and not wandering off the path because it looks “easy”. Thanks for introducing me to what you share, and I pray God continues to use you mightily!
Amen!!!
Thank you Ada.
Amen, sister!
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6
Keep on following His direction; He delights in you when you walk with Him!
Keep up the good work!
Hello Ruth,
God is sooo gracious. He DOES direct our path when we acknowledge Him.
Thank you for visiting.
You are blessed.
I know that struggle Chizobam, I don’t put up anything if I am not led to. I am not perfect, I don’t beat myself up trying to play catch up with what others are doing.that way you enjoy writing keep your authenticity and honour God. I read lots of friends blogs and I have been blessed reading and enjoying their own articles.
I hope that helps you too.
Great to visit you here today.
Many Blessings to you
Hello Ifeoma,
Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts, particularly that writing is about keeping your authenticity and honoring God.
It’s ALL about God, not us. I’m thankful that He uses us as vessels for His service.
You are blessed.
Enjoy your day.
Chizobam
Hi! I found you through another blog (Dr. Michelle Bengston) and wanted to say hello! I know what you mean when you say you hear the voice of God speak to your spirit. I feel and hear that too. Staying on the straight and narrow for me means fine tuning the message and praying over each post – listening and obeying. God has a specific place for your words and a message only you can deliver. Know that you can’t miss the mark if you stay aligned with Him. Your blog space is beautiful. Many blessings.
“God has a specific place for your words and a message only you can deliver. Know that you can’t miss the mark if you stay aligned with Him.”
Powerful words of wisdom. Pierced right into my spirit.
Thank you so much.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Chizobam
I have been thinking about Narrow and Broad way. I happened to read your article on “Strait Gate and Narrow Way”. It was very useful to me and encourages me to Focus on Lord Jesus More. May God Bless your Ministry.
Thank you Ananth, it’s all by the awesome grace of God!!
Such true and penetrating words – especially in this critical time in church history! Lord let us not compromise our love walk with you! Search me oh Lord that I would, each moment, walk the straight and narrow with grace and humility! Love you Chizobam!!
Amen and Amen!!
Love you more, Stephanie.