“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.” – Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is crystal clear. Walking the path of faith with Him will be challenging. We’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus is the narrow gate. Then, if our faith is genuine, we’ll devote our lives to following in His footsteps, seeking to imitate His character, and obeying ALL His commands. That’s the hard way leading to life.
Please let go of any notion that Christian life should be easy, comfortable, or financially rewarding. Forget any idea that you should be protected by the world from the world. There’s certainly great joy and wonderful purpose and significance in following Jesus, but it it’s never supposed to be easy! Your life in Christ is supposed to look VERY different from the path being walked by non-believing friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Don’t expect that following Jesus will be popular with the culture in which you live. Don’t expect it to look like blending in with the crowd, riding a wave of prosperity and comfort, or being appreciated by anyone other than the Lord and your fellow believers. Don’t expect earthly honor, privilege, or status simply because you follow Jesus. Indeed, you should expect the opposite.
Nonetheless, Jesus and the path He leads us on is the one and only gate and path to eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and fellowship with God. This is the only path. Walk it in the confidence that Christ is with you on that path and knows it well. Be among the few and as you travel, do everything you possibly can to invite and encourage others to walk the path with you.