Self-Denial and Abundant Life: The Link
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” Mathew 7: 13, 14.
In this passage Jesus urges His followers to make the deliberate, challenging decisions for true righteousness. And to reject popular, easy, or self-indulgent paths. To read the whole chapter for some context, click here.
Self-Denial and the Narrow Path
When you think about it, the broad path that leads to destruction is really the path of being out of control. Any area of life where we are out of control is an area where we are on the broad path.
If we are obese because we use food for comfort, and to medicate, and numb out our pain and stress, we are out of control in this area. We are on the broad path that leads to destruction of our body. We will, sooner or later, experience ill -health- diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, arthritis etc.
(And let’s be honest about this particular sin. Many in the church have been delivered, sometimes miraculously, from addictions to drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and sexual sin.
But have exchanged those addictions for food and are still relying on something other than God to soothe and comfort them).
The Broad Path of Lack of Control
If that describes us, we will be lethargic and lack the energy to excel in or even maintain other areas of our lives. We may be jealous of others who have the energy and stamina and motivation to be successful. But we’ll have difficulty accomplishing our own goals.
If we have a bad temper and say and do things impulsively in anger that we regret later, we are out of control in this area. We are treading the broad path that leads to destruction. Our bad temper will destroy precious relationships, our reputation and eventually, our health.
And if it involves our children, we will say and do things we cannot take back that will damage or even destroy their self-esteem and self-confidence.
If we spend more than we take in, and habitually live on credit, incurring ever-increasing debt, we are out of control in this area. And we’re on the broad path that leads to destruction.
We’re on our way to financial ruin and poverty. We will end up a slave to our creditors, working 2 and 3 jobs just to keep them at bay. And still never have enough to make ends meet.
The broad path looks inviting because it’s the path of least resistance. We can do as we please, and not exercise self-restraint, self-control or self-denial. Essentially, we can be out of control. At first glance, this may seem desirable and pleasurable.
But being out of control leads to slavery and eventually destruction.
Every Gardener Knows the Truth
The narrow path is the path of self-restraint, self-control and self-denial. For this reason, it is literally the path of “affliction, tribulation and trouble“. But it’s the ONLY path that leads to mastery and life. Not just eternal life, but abundant life in the here and now.
Every gardener knows that if you want a fruit-bearing plant to bear much fruit, and be productive and healthy, you have to cut it back. It must be pruned. Its growth must be restricted. You let that plant grow without restraint, and you’ll end up with an unhealthy, unwieldy plant that bears little fruit.
To read another post related to see Overcome Temptation and Be a Mighty Warrior.