Devotion from Mallory Galloway

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

When I reflect on this passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I always find myself thinking about the good ole’ East Tennessee mountains. I have so many fond memories of hiking through the trails and climbing up mountains. But when I reflect on the moments, I rarely ever remember myself wanting to stay on the wide and paved paths that were obviously created by human hand. What fun is that?! I was the off-road type! I wanted to climb on the dangerous rocks and ledges. I wanted to shimmy my way through the trees and wild plants. And I was always looking for the small paths that you could tell were created by someone looking for something grander than a wide, concrete path.

Why did I do this? Because more times than not, those narrow paths led to more beautiful views and more invigorating experiences.

The same is true for our lives of faith and spirituality. Following the broad road that the world paves for us is nothing but destructive. It doesn’t offer fulfillment and happiness in the end. That is not a gate I want to arrive at. But the narrow road, no matter how difficult it may be to walk on, leads to life and true fulfillment. True happiness. That’s the gate I want to find at the end of my hike.

What path are you following? What gate do you want to arrive at? Maybe you need to change paths. Let me be the first to invite you if you haven’t been already – come on over. The view is better over here.