Power for Living

But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: (John 1:12)

One Sunday our Scripture lesson contained these words of our Lord: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”(Matthew 7:13-14)

During the sermon I emphasized the fact that Jesus says we must enter through that narrow gate; not just know about it, talk about it, sing about it, etc., and to not enter is to remain on the broad way that leads to destruction.

After church, someone commented very honestly to me that taking that step of ultimate commitment is hard. That person is right. It’s a scary step, so much so that Jesus says more people will not take the step through the narrow gate than will. But isn’t it really much scarier not to take it?

The Good News is that those who take the step find that there is help and power for living available to them on the other side of the narrow gate that will never be known living in the broad way that leads to destruction.

Ludwig Nommensen traveled to begin mission work with a tribe in southeast Asia. The village chief welcomed Ludwig and said, “You have 2 years to learn our customs and convince us you have a message worth hearing.” After 2 years, the tribal leader asked the missionary how Christianity differs from the moral rules and traditions of the tribe.

“We already know what is right,” the chief explained. “We too have laws that say we must not steal, or take our neighbor’s wives, or tell lies.”

The missionary replied, “That’s true. But my God supplies the power needed to keep those laws.”

This startled the chief. “Can you really teach my people to live better?”

“No, I can’t,” responded Ludwig. “But if they receive Jesus Christ, God will give them the strength to do what is right.”

The chief invited him to stay another 6 months, during which Ludwig preached the gospel and taught villagers how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians.

“You can stay as long as you want,” the chief finally announced. “Your religion is better than ours, for your God walks with men and gives them strength to do the things He requires.”