If God is so good, why didn't he make it easier to get into heaven? After all, if he wants everyone saved, why doesn't He just let all of us in and party with Him. Essentially, isn't that what life is all about, a big party! All excellent questions; questions that lead us to our following Wonderfully Weird Command: Choose the Narrow Way.

Jesus said, "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 (Matthew 7:13-14)." These words of Jesus drive some people to question God's Goodness and His Way, especially the hardcore partiers. Many read the word "narrow" and tend to connect it with a skewed understanding that God only wants life's party poopers to enter Heaven. Is this true? I don't think so. Jesus knows how to celebrate with the best; he just does it with responsibility, and "responsibility " makes all the difference. Responsibility is the path once a person enters through the narrow gate.

The narrow gate is Jesus, who leads to a responsible celebration of life. The "wide" gate is the devil's entrance that leads to the irresponsible party where all are left for dead. It's an entrance and pathway where the reckless, restless, and the rushed practice life's party their way. Those who choose the "wide" gate are double-minded and lack determination. In contrast, those who prefer the "narrow" gate, resolution, or decisiveness are the party's favor through Jesus Christ. Again, Jesus is the gate, and responsibility is the narrow Way to get people into the all-exclusive party.

Jesus says that the narrow gate leads to a "hard" road, which is true. It's a path of hardships and difficult decisions. However, anyone who has hosted a party knows how hard it is to get ready and be prepared to throw a good party. Once someone goes through the "narrow" gate, part of their responsibility (path) is to train and understand how to throw a party Jesus's Way. Is it hard? Yes! Is it difficult? Certainly! Especially up front. But that's the point; it's all about the ability to withstand prolonged hardships and suffering upfront to develop good habits in the long run. Good practices of Christ are where everyone benefits and the party is good, not sometimes but all the time.

It's human nature to choose the "wide" gate, and it's God's heart that gives us a choice to open the narrow gate of Jesus. It's a gate that may seem complex and challenging upfront to us, but in the long run of God's eternal party, the upfront becomes the good things needed to support the party forever. Today, I encourage all to "Choose the Narrow Way," where we "get to" party Jesus' style, God's good Way of partying where all enjoy the comforts and pleasures of God for always.

With decisiveness,

Pastor Drake