Early Spring

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalms 1:1, 2).

— Tom Ruggirello

The book of Psalms opens with the word “blessed.” The Hebrew is plural and indicates multiple blessings to those who delight in the LORD and refuse to walk in the paths of sin. Jesus made a similar observation saying, “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13, 14).

Entering the strait (or narrow) gate can be difficult. The wide gate of sin has many allurements that appeal to the flesh. Because the rewards can be satisfying, many do not discern that they are short‑lived and end in death.

To understand the benefits of the narrow gate, one must recognize why self‑sacrifice and heart devotion provide the richest blessings in this life and enable one to endure beyond. These are considerations that every heart must contemplate when seeking the Lord and weighing the cost of consecration.

In picturesque language, the Psalmist continued describing some of the great rewards of discipleship. “He shall be like a tree planted by the mortal must put on immortality. But when this
corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, ‘death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54).

This is the future for those who not only pass through the narrow gate but also prosper in the narrow way and remain faithful to the end.

Spiritual Warfare

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3‑5).

The Apostle Paul describes the battle every believer must face when desiring a relationship with God. We battle against false beliefs and human reasoning. We oppose anything that puts itself above or in place of God. Mental discipline is required to bring every thought into obedience to Christ. From a strictly human standpoint, this seems an impossible task. But God knows that there is great wisdom in asking us to fight this warfare.

The same wisdom was demonstrated in the Apostle Paul’s life. When dealing with his poor eyesight, Paul sought relief from God. The Lord’s answer conveyed an important and practical lesson. God said, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul immediately understood the wisdom in God’s reply. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10).

The apostle realized his struggle with poor eyesight would make him more dependent on God. In describing spiritual armor, Paul encouraged other followers of Christ, saying, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Only through the struggles of life can heart reliance on the Lord strengthen our bonds with Him. Every trial and challenging experience can have this long‑term benefit.

Quickened by the Spirit

“If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11). To be quickened means to be energized in the service of God. Knowing His gracious plan should inspire us to self‑sacrifice, knowing that we serve a great cause. It directs us to a lifestyle the world may not understand. It is the antithesis of selfishness and finds a way to bless others. This is godlike and prepares the body members of Christ for even greater service beyond the veil. A powerful inspiration comes from studying the life of Jesus and endeavoring to grasp the magnificent work for which we are being prepared.

Jesus said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26). To honor God should be a goal for every consecrated heart. Such honor comes in many forms, ranging from the secret thoughts of the heart to the physical energy we expend.

An Amazing Journey

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

During the Lord’s earthly ministry, he healed the sick, raised the dead, and did many other miracles. And yet, these works will pale in comparison to what he will yet accomplish. He gave believers an insight into their future when he added, “And greater works than these shall he do.” Spiritual growth and personal sacrifice will equip each believer to share in the Lord’s kingdom work with mankind. Teaching the meaning of right and wrong can only be done by those who themselves have come to love righteousness and hate iniquity. Leading a sinful world to God can only be accomplished by those who previously sought Him and consecrated themselves to serve Him. These overcome the evil enticements of the world, their selfish flesh, and the devil’s temptations to sin.

The successful walk of a Christian is beautifully portrayed in the Tabernacle. The journey begins out in the camp and ends in the very presence of God. Many decisions were made along the way. But there is no higher calling or greater privilege ever offered than to share in the work of Christ. It is an amazing journey!

Planting Seeds

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

The greatest gift parents can share with their children is training them in godly principles. Speaking of the Lord in uplifting and comforting terms creates a source of strength that children can come to rely on as they grow. Youth is the springtime of their lives, and planting seeds early often brings forth wonderful spiritual growth. Although children will ultimately make their own choices and commitments, speaking of the Lord’s goodness will help guide them in their decisions. Then, if they choose wisely, the benefits will multiply in character development and a better understanding of the heavenly Father and our Lord, Jesus.

Solomon shared his wise counsel with the young, saying, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). In other words, remembering the Lord early in life will provide strength in challenging experiences. Rather than finding “no pleasure in them,” a heart turned to the Lord can find meaning and purpose in each experience.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).