The Christian's Narrow Path

"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life."
MATTHEW 7:14
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The Christian's Narrow Path
The life of a Christian is as hard as if he were walking on a narrow path, in fact, on nothing but razors. Beneath us in the world is the devil, who is continually snapping at us with his jaws in order to bring on impatience, despair, and murmuring against God. In addition, the world is advancing on us, and it refuses either to yield to us or to let us pass. And around our neck lies our own flesh. Thus we are hemmed in on every side. The way itself is so narrow that it would be difficult enough even if there were no dangers or obstacles in the way. Nevertheless we have to go through or become the property of the world and the devil. Think about this, and guide yourself accordingly. If you want to be a Christian, then be one. It will never be any different. You will never make the way any wider . . .. But let this be your comfort: first, that God is standing next you; and second, that after you have gone through, you will enter a beautiful and wide room.

From The Sermon on the Mount (Luther's Works 21:245-46)
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