Narrow Minded – Is it Really That Bad?

We live in a world where we are taught to be open minded. Broaden your horizons. Acceptance is the future. Don’t look down on someone else for their decisions. If it makes them happy, it’s their life to live.

If you don’t mold or bend to the worlds thinking you are looked at as old-fashioned. Behind the times. Out of sorts with society.

If we look at the Gospels and the life of Christ, was he old-fashioned or ahead of his times?

I could say he was a mixture of both staying true to the foundational Jewish customs and laws of Moses, but he had a dramatic insight that ruffled the feathers of those who saw him as a rebellious leader.

So was Jesus narrow-minded or opened-minded?

Once again, I have to say he was a perfect mixture of both.

He met the Samaritan woman at the well who had an edgy past that he did not condone. Yet, he offered her the compassion that her family and friends were probably fearful of openly giving. Jesus stayed true to his heart knowing that narrowness leads to God, but he opened the gate wide for her to see the narrow path that leads to grace and mercy.

Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus

I don’t write this to boast or edify myself in trying to stay narrow in my journey. But write because I see many people confusing wide-path acceptance for love and grace.

Jesus was a man who changed the worlds perspective and gave value to people who were thought of lesser than by the previous generation.

Jesus’ radical teaching empowered the overlooked. Women were praised. The sick were not looked at as tangible punishment for generations of sins. Children were welcomed. Sinners were called to be set free.

Jesus didn’t tell the rich man to enjoy his wealth any way he pleased. (Matthew 19:16-22)

Jesus didn’t tell the woman caught in adultery it’s okay to keep doing what she was doing as long as it made her happy. (John 8:1-11)

Jesus didn’t tell his followers it’s okay to be angry, or lust, or murder, or divorce, or lie, or hate, or look out for yourself. He didn’t tell them it’s okay, everyone else is doing it. He didn’t even tell them they deserved the best things in life. (Matthew 5-7)

So, if Jesus in all of his perfect wisdom tells us to follow the narrow, how can we throw that message aside like it’s gone out of style?

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

James, brother of Christ

Don’t be deceived into thinking there is no absolute right or wrong. Living in the land of gray is a slippery slope when you’re trying to follow the narrow and quickly the narrow is open to interpretation. When you listen to the world for guidance and not God, you’re going to be deceived.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Paul

If you look at your life and you don’t look any different than someone who doesn’t profess to follow Christ, please re-examine your life. Because if you don’t look any different, most likely, you have conformed to the world. I’m fairly certain they haven’t conformed to following Jesus.

Walking in the narrow may feel awkward, but following Christ isn’t supposed to be an easy journey. Following Christ leads to refinement, pruning, periods of waiting, and seasons of growth pains.

But despite the awkwardness, He is with you each step of the way. And ultimately, isn’t that better than being praised by man that may turn on you the next moment?

Here’s to following the narrow…

Peace