“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:14 NKJV
I saw a tweet recently that said Steph Curry is ‘just a good shooter.” First of all, Steph is more than just a shooter. Secondly, even if Steph is “just a shooter,” he’s perhaps the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA. And if you dig into his upbringing, you can see how he became that. His father, Dell Curry, played in the NBA and was a great shooter too. He instilled a work ethic in Steph that is unparalleled. Many NBA players have spoken about the countless hours Steph puts into his game. Even now, as a very accomplished veteran, he rarely lets a day go by without spending hours in the gym. It hasn’t been easy, but that’s why he’s reached a level in his career that few others have.
In the above verse, Jesus is delivering the famous Sermon on the Mount. At one point, He talks about the difficulty of following the Way. He emphasizes that the gate is narrow because few are able to live the life of a true disciple of His. As some friends and I discussed this week, this is part of the Christian experience that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. In a nutshell, this life ain’t easy. It can feel nearly unbearable at times. From the trials and persecution (John 16:33) to the sometimes unrelenting temptation to sin (Matthew 26:41), it can be downright difficult to stay faithful. And maybe the worst part is that it’s going to get even harder (Matthew 24:21). You have to understand all of this going in, so you can do as Jesus tells us and count the cost (Luke 14:25-33).
But as we steadfastly trust and depend on Jesus, and follow Him, we will one day realize the great rewards He has promised us. The Word says that one day He will return to carry us home (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Arthur Williams put it best: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.”