"Warning, Warning, Warning" | September 14. 2025 | Ps Amber George

In our fast-paced world of instant gratification and endless choices, it's easy to get swept up in the current of popular opinion and comfortable living. But what if the path most traveled isn't the one that leads to true fulfillment and purpose? What if the easy road, while appealing at first glance, actually leads us away from the life we were meant to live?

These are the challenging questions we must confront as we examine the profound words of Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:13-23, Jesus presents us with a series of stark choices - choices that have eternal consequences.

The Two Gates: Wide vs. Narrow

Jesus begins by describing two gates: one wide and one narrow. The wide gate is attractive, popular, and easy to pass through. It represents the path of least resistance, the way that accommodates our preferences and requires no real sacrifice. Many people choose this gate because it feels natural and aligns with the crowd.

But Jesus warns us that this wide gate, despite its initial appeal, leads to destruction. It's a sobering thought that what seems right to us can ultimately lead to our downfall. As Proverbs 14:12 reminds us, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."

In contrast, Jesus presents the narrow gate. This gate is small, difficult to find, and challenging to pass through. It requires turning away from sin, surrendering our rights and desires, and submitting fully to God. It's not the popular choice, and it often means going against the flow of the world.

Yet this narrow gate, Jesus tells us, leads to life - not just any life, but abundant, rich, and satisfying life. It's a life filled with purpose, joy, and eternal significance. The choice is clear: temporary ease or lasting fulfillment?

The Two Trees: Good Fruit vs. Bad Fruit

Jesus then shifts His metaphor to trees and their fruit. He warns us about false prophets - those who may appear godly on the outside but inwardly are "ferocious wolves." These individuals may speak the name of Jesus, have impressive platforms, or even perform seemingly miraculous acts. But Jesus tells us to look deeper, to examine the fruit of their lives.

What kind of impact do they have on others? Do their actions match their words? Do they exhibit the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or do their lives produce the opposite - discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, and the like?

This principle applies not just to religious leaders but to all of us who claim to follow Christ. What kind of fruit does our life produce? How do we treat others when no one is looking? What would our spouse, our children, or even our adversaries say about the impact of our life?

The sobering reality is that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. The fruit of our lives reveals the true nature of our hearts.

Religion vs. Relationship

In the final warning, Jesus delivers perhaps His most chilling words. He describes a scene where many will come to Him on judgment day, confidently declaring, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?"

These individuals seem to have all the outward trappings of faith. They use the right language, perform impressive spiritual acts, and even call Jesus "Lord." Yet His response is devastating: "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers."

This passage strikes at the heart of what it means to truly follow Christ. It's not about religious activity, impressive spiritual gifts, or even doing good deeds in Jesus' name. It's about knowing Him and being known by Him. It's about a genuine relationship with the living God.

Jesus is looking for disciples who don't just say the right things or go through religious motions, but who truly know Him, walk with Him daily, and bear fruit through their intimate connection with Him.

The Call to Choose

As we reflect on these warnings from Jesus, we're faced with a decision. Which gate will we choose to enter? Which kind of tree will our life resemble? Will we settle for the empty words and actions of religion, or will we pursue a genuine relationship with Jesus?

It's important to note that this choice isn't about achieving perfection in our obedience. It's about surrendering to God's love, walking with Him daily, and allowing His life to flow through us.

Perhaps you've realized that you've been walking through the wide gate, taking the easy path that leads away from God. The good news is that it's not too late to turn around. Jesus lovingly invites you to repent - to change direction and join Him on the narrow path that leads to life.

Maybe you've recognized more bad fruit in your life than good. You long for the fruit that only the Holy Spirit can produce - love, joy, peace, and all the rest. Jesus offers you the opportunity to be grafted into Him, the true vine, and to bear fruit that will last.

Or perhaps you've been relying on your own religious efforts for so long, trying to earn God's favor through your good deeds. Jesus extends His hand to you today, inviting you into a genuine relationship with Him. He's saying, "Let's do this together. Let Me know you, and let yourself be known by Me."

The choice is yours. Will you take the easy road that leads to destruction, or will you choose the narrow path that leads to life? Will you settle for the appearance of godliness, or will you pursue a transformative relationship with the living God?

As you contemplate these questions, remember that there's always more of God available to us. He's always inviting us deeper, challenging us to grow, and offering us a life beyond what we could ask or imagine. The narrow road may be difficult, but it's on this path that we discover the richness of life with God - a life worth living, both now and for eternity.