Test Page
Matthew 7:13-14
“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.”
“Many people think of Jesus as our Savior, as the one who will get us into heaven. So the question often is ‘Have I accepted Jesus as my Savior?’ But we never ask the question ‘Have I accepted Jesus as my teacher?’ And that’s the real question. With the disciples, it began there. They began by accepting him as their teacher, and then accepting him as their Savior—which included, of course, their eternal destiny—was a natural outflow of that. But they started with Jesus as their teacher, because we all have to learn how to live.”
Some Thoughts
Promises of the good life are everywhere, but which one will actually deliver? A reliable path to life must do at least two things: First, it must define reality accurately. Second, it must provide realistic steps to experience that reality. On our end, we must be able to accept certain realities as we begin any path towards maturity: Life is difficult, we have already been formed (a lot!), and formation takes time. It’s a process.
Just like our physical body grows, our spiritual life grows and that carries with it a host of implications. Do you remember how Jesus defined reality (cf. Mark 1:14-15)?
Think about the ways that we are already being formed: stories we learn about life, ourselves and others; habits that naturally form; friends we choose for comfort; and the environments we are in. If true transformation is to happen, it must happen in each of those areas; it will be truly disruptive if it’s going to be lasting and meaningful.
Transformation goes against each category:
In place of stories we have teaching and scripture (2 Timothy 3:16)
In place of habits we have intentional practices (Matthew 7:24, 26; 2 Peter 1:3-11)
In place of friends we have community (Ephesians 5:21; Romans 10:12; Philippians 2:5-8)
In place of environment we have the Holy Spirit (Psalm 1; Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:5; 2 Timothy 1:14)
Reflection
How did I think of this before?
Meditation
Spend 2-3 minutes in silent prayer meditating on one of the passages listed above.
Reflection
Set an alarm on your phone to return to this devotional later today. How does being present to this truth affect your behavior?
