Truth is narrow, always has been. In our society today, truth is mocked, marginalized, and criticized. Yet truth is and always has been narrow and people do not like to be boxed in. Therefore, truth is received as a threat when in fact it is not a threat, but it is – the truth.
Mathematical truth is narrow. 2+2 always equals 4, never 3, not sometimes 5. It is always 4. Mathematical truth is always narrow. Scientific truth is narrow. Water always freezes at 320 F. Never at 35 or sometimes 37. Scientific truth is always narrow. Geographical truth is narrow. I live in Kentucky. Kentucky is bordered on the north by the Ohio River, not the Ganges or the Missouri. Geographical truth is narrow. Historical truth is narrow. Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon on July 20, 1969, not the 23rd or September 20. Historical truth is always narrow.
Since all truth is narrow, why would we have difficulty understanding theological or biblical truth as also being narrow? In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus himself said, “Enter by 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. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Biblical truth makes people uncomfortable because it is truth and the flesh does not like anything that goes against our fleshly desires and pleasures. Fleshly desires and pleasures are plentiful, broad, and can bring temporary satisfaction. However, that temporary satisfaction also leads to ruin – “broad is the way that leads to destruction.”
As believers in Jesus Christ as Lord of All, we are called to bring the light of truth to a world living in the darkness of broad destructive behaviors. Biblical truth will always lead us to Jesus. As He stated in John 14:6, “I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No man comes to the Father but through me.”
Jesus was not boasting or arrogant. The only way to righteousness is through righteousness. Jesus Christ is the only person who ever lived a perfect and righteous life. Therefore, He is the only way to Heaven. He sacrificed His life for you to have life abundant and eternal. Yes, it is very narrow to only have one way. Yet it is truth, and truth always is narrow.
My thanks to O.S. Hawkins and the inspiration to write this from his devotional, The Believers Code, Thomas Nelson Publishers, pg. 276 September 13.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.