More About the Strait and Narrow

 

Susan Easton Black writes that in ancient times the narrow path, or the less traveled path was the safer way for one who was journeying alone.  Often the broad ways which were taken by caravans and large companies of travelers were seedbeds of peril as bandits and robbers concealed themselves along the way to plunder. 

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Matthew 7:13/14

For me, I see another analogy to the strait and narrow.  The archaic meaning of "strait" is "a route or channel, so narrow as to make passage difficult."  The Savior told Nicodemus that he must be born again into a spiritual life in order to obtain eternal life.   Our physical birth becomes a type of our spiritual birth.  (Think also of Lehi's dream)  We are in a darkened environment.  For a time we can grow there but eventually to progress further we must travel through the birth canal or a strait and narrow way.  This exit takes courage.  It is uncomfortable.  The constriction is even painful at times.  To choose not to go will eventually lead to death.  We then burst forth into a greater light and a new life with increased potential.  The strait and narrow path becomes the journey we must make.  It provides us with the boundaries we need to guide us into a new birth, a new life.  The Savior describes himself as the Father of this new birth.  The church becomes the mother of our spiritual birth (after all the church is described as the Savior's bride)  and provides the nourishment and the structure we need through teaching, through ordinances and covenants, through fellowshipping and service.  The atonement of Christ gives brings life to the structure of the church.  The structure alone can’t do it.   Just believing in grace or the atonement alone can’t do it.  We need both to effect a birth.