“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-24

I have been told, though have never seen for myself, that there is a section on Mt. Katahdin called Knife’s Edge.  It is reportedly so narrow and steep that a step too far to the right or left would plunge the hiker to most certain death.  It seems to me that the road to life that Jesus is referencing in Matthew might be similar.  When I think about the many times in my life where I have exercised 

poor judgement, made bad decisions or actively chose to sin, the resulting consequences have not been unlike a misstep and a tumble off the Knife’s Edge.  

In this sense, the road is indeed narrow and not many are able to find it.  I supposed Jesus was talking about spiritual death, but I also must wonder if He meant that the only way to really experience life to the fullest is to stay so focused on the path that God has chosen for me, my eyes fixed on Him as were those of the Israelites in the desert when they followed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. 

The apostle Peter Ansley demonstrated this when he walked on water with the Lord. As soon as his focus shifted from the Savior to the storm, he began to sink beneath the waves. 

As I reflect upon this, a vision of a recent documentary enters my mind where mountain goats were seeking  the refuge of the highest steepest ledges on which to bear and raise their young.  The sight of mere infant goats, surefooted within hours of birth, deftly choosing their steps amidst sharp outcroppings loose shale, leaning hard into the side of the mountain.....makes me believe that this is how we are to pursue God.  Perhaps the key to finding and following the narrow path is to choose our steps wisely, deftly stepping around sharp outcroppings and avoiding loose footing.  All the while leaning hard into the mountainside which is Christ. 

It was rather amusing to see the futile attempts of the foxes as they pursued the little goats.....leaping, stumbling, falling.  One thing is clear to me from this illustration is that the enemy cannot possibly harm us as we seek safety with the Lord.  He may pursue us, but he will fail.  Just as the devil thought he had won when our Savior was crucified....he lost because death lost.