The Golden Rule Is The Narrow Gate

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 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. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." - Matthew 7:12-20 ESV

I always saw the narrow and the wide gate in verses 13 and 14 in terms of salvation (and they are salvation verses) but in context, they are speaking of considerate behavior that gives others what we would want to be given.

A false prophet has bad fruit. They aren't gracious.

The wide gate is the 'self-centered life' and the narrow gate is a harder gate. Few find this gate.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' " - Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

Jesus ramps things up even higher here. Considering others isn't enough. We must consider Him and know Him.

"Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." - Psalm 2:10-12 ESV

On the wide road the Son does not get a kiss. It is every man for himself. It is us against them.

False prophets ignore Jesus or reveal a god that is not the God of all grace. Ministry that is man-centered and sourced can't reproduce or give life. The carnal tree is thorny. The spiritual tree has fruit. The shift between one and the other is just one decision away.

Today I am asking God to make me a blessing to people. I want a true prophetic ministry that draws nourishment from the correct life source. I am placing my eyes on Christ and planning to go the narrow way today.

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