Discipline

JESUS SPEAKING

“Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7: 13-14)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In ancient times, cities were surrounded by protective walls; necessitating the creation of access gates that could be shuttered during enemy attacks. A wide gate is easy to enter; it’s much quicker, more convenient, and requires very little restraint. A narrow gate however, is harder to access, more time consuming, far less convenient, and demands selflessness. Thus the path to eternal life necessitates great discipline and control.

Concerning discipline, we need only examine an illustration from the Old Testament. During Israel’s war with the Midianites, Gideon commanded an army of thousands. Following God’s direction, 22,000 soldiers were sent home; leaving only 10,000 men. And yet God instructed him to reduce the number of his forces even further; thus granting God greater glory for their victory. The Lord insisted the remaining men be tested. And so Gideon was ordered to bring his troops down to the water to drink. All those who dropped to their knees or lapped up the water like dogs were sent home. Those who showed discipline and restraint by using their hands to bring the water to their mouths were chosen by God to continue fighting. This test yielded a group of only 300 men. And still God used this small force to defeat thousands of Midianites.

Like Gideon’s 300 men, we as Christians are commanded to live disciplined lives. We must show control and restraint over our fleshly desires and appetites. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can grant us victory over our enemies and give us the strength to follow Christ through that narrow gate. May the Lord Jesus live and reign in our hearts and minds forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to enter through the narrow gate. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we might withstand the temptations of the flesh and exhibit discipline and restraint. May we choose what is good and avoid what is evil. To You be all honor and glory, forever. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!