The Narrow Way

I have watched, with heartache, the scenes of search and recovery in Haiti. Amidst the destruction and agony there have been scenes of joy as a survivor is found and brought out through the narrowest possible opening in the rubble. The rescue teams have to be meticulously careful when cutting the rebar and moving cement slabs just enough to allow for safe passage.

The narrow way. It leads to a drop of water, an air vent, even a microphone to pick up sounds. And then, freedom. And when the way is opened, the trapped survivor looks only to squeeze through that tiny passageway. I thought of how Jesus said the way to life is narrow and the gate is small (Matthew 7).

People in the world sometimes think Christianity is narrow-minded. The truth is that Jesus is so loving, so welcoming, so gracious, that he is willing to accept anyone. But he told people that to enter the Kingdom of God now and forever, they had to go through the spiritual doorway that was open to anyone who desired to become as a child

• to give up his or her old self
• to take up his or her cross
• to be a servant
• to follow Christ's teaching

In one instance Jesus talks about the difference between religion and following Christ. He says this: Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11, The Message paraphrase).

There is only one way into God's Kingdom in this life and the life to come. It is a disciplined way. It requires trust in Christ and a lot of practice living the Jesus way. But the result is life, joy, peace, righteousness, and eternity. And once you have escaped the rubble of the world's thinking, you will love the new-found freedom in Christ.

Yours in Christ,
George
A new and EXCITING update on the website about Haiti.
By the way, who knows the origin of the phrase, take care?