Narrow is the way . . .

Lately my heart is heavy. It is hard to stay positive when you hear about the hurt and see all the sin in the world.  Logging on to Facebook has become a drag when constantly bombarded with the opinions of the world, especially concerning the current events.  After much praying, thinking and a conversation with my grandfather this afternoon these are my current thoughts:

Christians seem to fall into 2 categories: the first is "close-minded" to the rest of the world and looked down upon as people who hate those that do not share their beliefs.
The second has resorted to what I consider "relative" Christianity, those that change their beliefs based on the constantly changing beliefs of society.

I am far from perfect but I strive to be more like Jesus. He is the example God gave us: JESUS. He hates the sin (un-Godly lifestyle) but loves the sinner. That's right . . .  it is possible to do both at the same time . . .  after all HE IS GOD. That means He loves me and He loves you. Because of Jesus, He doesn't condemn those who are living against the Word but He wants us to live the life that was designed for us BY GOD. While I may be looked at and called close-minded and intolerant, this is the sacrifice I made when I told Jesus I'd follow Him. God never said it would be easy to follow Him. Being a Christian and truly following in God's way often means going against the grain, treading upstream, and even upsetting society with my opinions BUT Jesus told us in Matthew chapter 7 starting in verse thirteen:
13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
I want to be of the few that keeps on the narrow way and finds the gate that leads to an eternal life with God. No, I'm not saying I need to do things to please God, but one that loves God in his or her heart will do things that please God because it GLORIFIES Him. At the end of my journey on this Earth I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
With Easter approaching it leads me to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross 2000 years ago. Thank you Jesus that when I make mistakes I can repent (turn from what I have done) and dance, knowing that Your death on the cross took care of my sins.
So who are you? Are you a sinner that has accepted the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life? or Are you someone who knows and believes in God but has never taken action to accept Him and ask Him to be a part of your life? Believing is not enough, it takes action from us!
HE IS RISEN! HALLELUJAH!
Happy Easter!