Narrow-Broad by H.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 23, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 24.

Narrow—Broad

By H.

“You people are so narrow,” a “friend” remarked to a young Christian who refused to have a part in some worldly entertainment. “You cut yourselves off from everything that is pleasant in life.”

In a way the charge is true; in another way, it is all wrong. It is narrow—it is the narrow way we are following. The entrance to that way was through the “strait gate,” the gate with one simple path—the path of obedience. But look beyond the gate, look on up the ofttimes rugged way, to the city of gold. There the way is broad; no by-paths lead to darkness; the end is not disappointment.

The way of the world is broad; the modern term is “liberal.” By thousands liberty to choose the broad way of life is taken to mean license, permission to go on with no thought of future reckoning. “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way,” is our Lord’s description. He also tells what lies at the end of the way, it “leadeth to destruction.”

The true follower of the Lamb may expect the jeers of the world. He may expect to travel the way with a small company, often alone, for of the narrow gate, and the straitened way “that leadeth unto life,” the Saviour said, “Few are they that find it.” Of the broad way “that leadeth to destruction,” “many are they that enter in thereby.” It is a matter of choice, but on that choice hangs destiny: We may enjoy the plaudits of this life for a season, and then lose all for the future; we may forego the glittering honors now, and in the life to come reap of joy and peace and sincere pleasure a hundredfold. The wise will count the cost, consider the reward, and choose the right. H.