Narrow Doors

This is a complete vent. I'm particularly upset about slanders, evil-mouthed representations of "Christ". Words that do not edify, are sinful. And certainly, my heart can only take so much of it before I want to yell words of rebuke and conviction. And presumably, everyone already knows where these malicious tongues lie, even within the youth group. These tongues speak loud, but without any meaning or significance. And it's a rather notorious reputation of being a stark contrast of Jesus' ministry of grace and reconciliation.

And I wish words would only get to the people who use words as their sword and shield rather than Jesus. But sadly, their hypocrisy leads them to death. It's certainly different if one struggles with sin but acknowledges it is a struggle they must triumph over from if one simply passes over the righteous indignation of the Lord to rip apart a person. Words are a direct link to one's heart. It's an overflow. And in these hearts lie brokenness that has not truly grasped the essence of Christ's love and realized the true significance of forgiveness. Instead these hearts rot and will continue to rot as the owner allows for fuel to be fed every time they speak.

It's a sad realization, really. I was speaking to Ray and about how many people die without truly experiencing Jesus reshape them and make them whole. And the statistic says that 33% of the population are Christians but how many are truly, living and praising Him because they know their loved by the King? Or is it simply an upbringing, a social outlet. It's a sad realization. During our conversation, we realized that we have pocket A's in terms of evangelizing and bringing people to salvation. But we aren't playing these right. In fact, were screwing up everything. I think it's because the church is so divided. The lukewarm has become obnoxiously dangerous. And I mean obnoxiously as in they devastate the momentum of the church by creating a juxtaposition of a person dwelling in the world while also admitting that they are "of Christ". This jams the ministry, makes it constipated. All efforts become futile and every ounce of effort can be stunted with someone's lukewarmness. They certainly do not go quietly.

People opt to stop. Their relationship with the Lord isn't something that is a challenge, a goal, or a destination. It's a medicinal cabinet that can be used anytime something seems to stir unfortunate circumstances in their lives. Truly, truly, what a shame. If the road has ended, the only way to go is to turn back. Somewhere during this walk, they have taken the wrong turn and have ended at a road block. They have now this long process of walking backwards. But even that is beautiful, that means there is realization, hunger, and progress. But many opt to sit, complacently at the end.

And even out of the 33%, many will not make it. The kingdom of God is very, very narrow indeed.

Mark 10: 17-27

As Jesus started to leave, a man ran to him and fell on his knees before Jesus. The man asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to have life forever?"

Jesus answered, "Why do you call me good? Only God is good. You know the commands. 'You must not murder anyone. You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not steal. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. You must not cheat. Honor your father and mother.'"

The man said, "Teacher, I have obeyed all these things since I was a boy."

Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, "There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."

He was very sad to hear Jesus say this, and he left sorrowfully, because he was rich.

Then Jesus looked at his followers and said, "How hard it will be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

The followers were amazed at what jesus said. But he said again, "My children, it is very hard to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

The followers were even more surprised and said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"

Jesus looked at them and said, "For people this is impossible, but for God all things are possible."


Life forever....
So we are talking about entering the kingdom of heaven.
Obeyed all these things....
We thought we have reached the pinnacle of righteousness, we believe that we have earned salvation through works. Frankly, this is where the road ends for a person who believes this way.
loved...one...
Jesus loved his efforts but certainly there was more... There always will be more. We cannot be perfect, even though we believe we can be. Thus, this shows our journey is endless.
He left sorrowfully....
This is the rejection of the Lord's command, the final act of defiance.
How hard...to enter the Kingdom of God....
Our sinful nature and our unwillingness to offer it to God for him to take care of you leads us to rejection from God. Certainly this does not mean we cannot sin but rather that our pride and our blindness and deafness to the call of God to change and offer everything to Him in return leads us to rejection.

Of course, God writes that He will save us. So therefore, all that Jesus has stated about our efforts is useless. Only God can do the impossible.

But I see some importance to this. This act of defiance certainly does not make Jesus happy. This clinging on to that of which is part of the world makes his stomach churn. He will save you, but certainly his salvation is tested. The death on the cross is that much more painful as he knows and believes that it will not be fully utilized for complete sanctification. He knows your road and His road will never meet completely.

And that is a sad, sad reality for the loving Father...

Some day every tongue will confess you are God
One day every knee will bow
Still the GREATEST TREASURE remains for
THOSE WHO GLADLY CHOOSE YOU NOW.