May 11 -- "Which Door Will You Choose?"

Today’s Reading: Luke 13:18-35

Picture this: you’re standing on a grand stage, the spotlight beaming down on you. In front of you are three doors, each beautifully designed and gleaming with promise. The host—charismatic yet calculating—entices you with his smooth words, urging you to choose wisely. He reminds you that behind one of these doors lies true life, eternal joy, forgiveness, love, and peace that surpasses understanding. The other two? Well, they may look dazzling and inviting, but they’re traps, hiding ruin and regret behind their glossy façades.

The first door is adorned with symbols of wealth, success, and worldly wisdom. It whispers alluringly, “You can find fulfillment if you strive for control, independence, and self-made spirituality.” The second door sparkles with bright lights and enticing philosophies, promising enlightenment and connection without the need for surrender to anyone. Its allure is freedom without responsibility—a false path disguised as brilliance.

Then there’s the narrow door. It’s plain, almost unimpressive compared to the others, and requires you to stoop down to enter. But something about it stirs your heart. You remember the words of the host, “This is the way to life.” Yet the counterfeit doors cry out louder, trying to convince you that their promises are easier, quicker, and more glamorous.

Today’s Scripture from Luke 13 illuminates Jesus’ call to “strive” to enter through the narrow door. The original Greek word for “strive” (agonizomai) paints a vivid picture of exerting intense effort, pouring out every ounce of zeal and commitment into this journey. Jesus is urging us to prioritize eternity with unwavering focus, making our passage through the narrow door the greatest pursuit of our lives.

We must be vigilant and discerning, for these counterfeit doors are temptations crafted to appeal to our own hearts. They feed our desires for control, independence, or even self-righteousness, offering ways to “feel spiritual” without surrendering to Jesus. Yet, only Jesus can make the bold claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). No other door leads to salvation or genuine communion with God.

Have you paused to consider whether you’ve truly entered through the narrow door, or are there still false doors tugging at your heart, promising fulfillment apart from Jesus? If you’ve yet to step through the narrow door, pause now and let go of the distractions and false beliefs that have held you back from choosing to only Door that leads to eternal life—Jesus! By faith, surrender to Jesus and embark on the true path to eternal life. If you’ve already found your way to this Door, hold fast! Resist Satan’s deceiving lies by rooting yourself deeply in the life-giving truth of Scripture.

May God guard you against the schemes of the enemy, steady your mind and heart on Jesus, and guide you confidently through the narrow door. In Christ alone lies the life everlasting we were created to find. Let your faith flourish as you trust Him to lead you onward.