“When we think of security, we likely imagine ease and the lack of disturbance. But security goes far deeper than that. To orient your life around Jesus and his teachings positions you to live with greater attentiveness to God’s care and love. What makes us secure is not out circumstances but God’s ever-faithful presence in our lives.”- Rich Villodas
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”- Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
Rich Villodas concludes his Afterword of The Narrow Path with the last four practices to help us on the narrow path.
3. Speak Truthfully (Yes and No). An important act of discipleship involves the practice of examining the level of our truth-telling. For example, Rich suggests, ask yourself this question. Why do I feel a need to say yes when I really mean no?
4. Pray for enemies. Pray for difficult individuals and ask the Lord to soften your heart toward them. Certainly, to love your enemies possibly forms the most difficult part of Jesus’ teachings. Yet, it functions as one of the primary ways to reflect His heart.
5. Offer silent generosity. Next, when we give in secret, that strips away that part of us longing for recognition and admiration. Thus, in profound ways, silent generosity produces the character of Jesus in us. Of course, not all acts of kindness must be covert. But learning to practice silent generosity frees us from the need for others to observe us in action.
6. Surrender anxiety. First, identify the people and situations that cause you anxiety. Then ask God to guide, protect, and shield you. Make this a regular practice.
In conclusion, Rich stresses, Jesus reminds us that following Him endangers our comfort. Sometimes, following Jesus endangers our lives. Yet, Jesus promises an interior stability that renders our lives indestructible. Hence, Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with this great promise. Your life is secure when you choose the narrow path.
Today’s question: Do you think of security as ease and a lack of disturbance? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the annotated bibliography of The Narrow Path