Matthew 7:13-14. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate, and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

It is so difficult to just believe in God through Jesus Christ these days. There are so many options available for people who want to have spirituality in their lives. And since we have become an extremely tolerant society, it's simpler to allow people to have their own belief structure.

So, when we are told that Orthodox Christianity is too fundamental and close-minded, rather than cause controversy, we shut down and allow the world to dictate to us the road to the Father.

It is often said that the road to God is a narrow path and I tend to agree. This path has one and only one gate - Jesus Christ. All other roads are simple to traverse, broad and wide, with few obstacles.

Maybe it's because I am getting older, but I have finally come to the conclusion that I don't have to accept every belief structure as a 'possibility' to eternal life. I can make a decision to believe one way - and one way alone. I can be confident that Jesus Christ is the one way to the Father and to eternal life.

This may seem close-minded, but you know what? I'm fine with that. I don't have to make everyone happy with my personal decisions. I am responsible for living my life in such a way that I am a tool of Christ.

It's difficult for anyone to walk that narrow path. I seem to be always stumbling off the path - and landing smack dab in the middle of the comfy, cushioned wide road. For the instant, it seems so pleasant, and easy. Soon, however you begin seeing the cracks in the illusion. The easy way to the Father is no way to the Father.

There are many things about Jesus that are difficult to accept, much less to follow. He calls us to sacrifice, to take up the way of the cross. That is the open door, the gate to the path that leads to Heaven.