There Is Work To Be Done

“Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. [Luke 13.24]

So, what do you suppose Jesus meant? I am sorry, but it doesn't sound like the easy religion that has been promoted for so long in "Christian circles."

Jesus elsewhere said:

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [Matthew 11.30]

I think it is important that Jesus did not say, "There is no yoke or no burden." 

Jesus said His yoke is easy, but a yoke nonetheless. 

Jesus said His burden is light, but a burden nonetheless.

The words "yoke" and "burden" speak of one thing: work. Let's look again at Luke 13.24: “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.

Somehow we seem to have missed an important aspect of following Christ: it is work.

This does not disagree with the fact that salvation is free. The Apostle Paul clarified that for us:

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [Ephesians 2.8-9]

No amount of work will save a person. However, a saved person will work the works of God.

Jesus did the works of God, and that is what He expects of His followers!

So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. [John 5.19]

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE!

Father, forgive us for our ignorance of what Your Word has said all along. Forgive us for thanking our selfish excuses make it okay not to serve You.