Updating Our Thinking

Matthew 7:13-14 states, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Furthermore, Luke 13:24 says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

The road to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow and requires tremendous effort and difficult choices to attain. If we desire to pursue God and seek the path to the Kingdom, we must first update our thinking. We need to contemplate where we have sown the seed in our hearts!

“Some seed fell by the wayside” (Matthew 13:4). If we relegate God to the side in our lives, merely possessing a “faith,” we become susceptible to getting lost in the clamor and distractions of the world, even falling prey to the deceptions of the devil.

“Some fell on stony places” (Matthew 13:5). If we fail to consistently contemplate and practice God’s Word, neglecting to experience God in our daily lives, our faith foundation becomes shallow. When faced with trials, we may easily abandon God.

“Some fell among thorns” (Matthew 13:7). If we devote all our thoughts to worldly pursuits, our concerns revolve solely around present life, wealth, and pleasure. We will be ensnared by the devil’s traps, turning onto the wide path.

“But others fell on good ground” (Matthew 13:8). We must redirect our focus from our own lives to God and not merely think about what we need. In Luke 8:15, it says, “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”

If we desire to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must ensure that we are on the “narrow path.” We need to update our thoughts and renew our spiritual soil! We should let others see God’s “image” through our renewed thoughts, relying on God.

I invite you to join us on this journey of faith and for the enrichment of your life by taking the first step in attending our service at our church located as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

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Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org