Our Carnal Challenge
In every age, mankind has been surrounded by sin of every sort. The wide gate and broad way (Matthew 7:13) offer the path of least resistance. Sin is appealing, attractive, and satisfying for the appetites of the flesh. These appetites and sins caused God to give unrighteous men over to a “reprobate mind” and to “uncleanness”. Romans 1:32, “…and have pleasure in them that do them” are also under the judgment of God.
On a daily basis, media in all forms put out a steady barrage of programming filled with portrayals of the assorted sins of Romans 1 and 2. Adult media markets and entertainment venues provide more of the same, including live and in color events.
People, in general, and some brethren who regularly tune in will offer the comment that this is not real, this is just pretend, as a statement to justify their involvements. Are they trying to justify their actions? Is it because they know or feel that it is wrong?
These words from a wise Christian friend point out a very important point. Carnality is living to satisfy the flesh. It is a hindrance to our being like Jesus. The devil uses many outlets to put us in the presence of those things that put distance between us and our Lord.
On our climb up the mountain, we will be seduced to stop climbing because it is not an easy journey. We will be tempted to stop because the pathway is filled with potholes, rocks, and other obstacles. We will take note of pleasurable things all around us in which we can participate only if we stop climbing. We might be seduced by a failure to see immediate satisfaction on our climb, since it is lifelong. We will want to quit because we stumble and don’t think we can or should be allowed to get up again.
Luke 13:24 records, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” That first word “strive” comes from a Greek word “agonizomai” which is the source of our word “agonize.” Jesus told His disciple that the climb up the mountain will be an agonizing struggle.
Even though Jesus promised, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find’ knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7). So, if this is true, how will some not be able to enter?
That answer seems to lie in that very first word—agonize. Many will want to begin the climb and, after realizing what will be required, decide not to do so. The rich young ruler of Matthew 19:16-22 was just like that. Many will begin the difficult but will leave the path because of the draw of things around them. Demas was just like that (II Timothy 4:10). Others will be unable to forgive themselves for falling and failing on their climb and will be unable to enter. Judas Iscariot was just like that (Matthew 27:3-10).
Jesus never implied that the climb up the mountain would be easy. He did, however, say explicitly that it will be difficult. There are many who have made the climb up the mountain and now realize the value at the top. After Paul was stoned at Lystra (Acts 14:19-20), he got up and continued to preach the gospel. Here is his message following that event, he went from city to city “…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’” (verse 22). That is the best description of the mountain climb.
