(Matthew 7:12-14) There are many who try to find the path that leads to salvation. It is not an easy path to follow or to remain on when it is found. It is described as the wide gate in the gospel of Matthew. The reason it is wide is because those that travel the easy road do so still carrying the baggage of the old life with them, their old ways and habits. We are told we cannot enter heaven through the wide gate but must enter through the narrow gate. The narrow gate is impossible to go through with all of the extra baggage. For most it is an impossibility to shed the old ways and habits. Why? In order to shed most things they must first learn to learn to love others as ones self and to treat others as they would like them to treat them. The gospel of Matthew says it is the narrow and hard way. If it were easy it would not require us to shed this world to follow the Lord. If it were easy we would not have to become mirrors of the Lord. If it were easy there would be no need for the Lord to have sacrificed Himself on the cross for our salvation. Be thankful most will not have to go that road. He took the hardest part from us to lessen the burden of the narrow gate but we must shed the baggage we carry to pass through it. The narrow gate is the stripped down, burden free, faithful belief that Christ is our savior and that since He loved us, even though we were sinners, we should do the same with others. It is not enough to go through life studying the word and not following it. It is not an easy road we are asked to follow. It is a hard road through a narrow gate that leads to the promised land. It is worth the effort.
This image was a challenge. It required more colors than the female images as you can see. I'm not completely satisfied with it but it is done satisfactorily.
That is it for this week. May the good Lord bless you and keep you safe. Remember to "Always Love The Details."
What a stunning image Jim - the eyes are so piercing!! Stunningly coloured in my humble opinion!!
ReplyDeleteYes, the Christian life is not easy if we apply all that we are taught, and die to 'self' to be able to love and serve others!
Blessings
Maxine
This is just outstanding! You did a fantastic coloring job with this image and I love the hints of red in his hair. I've never even heard of the Copic spraying tool but it definitely worked it's magic here! Once again you've produced something very special. God bless, and do have a fun July 4th as well.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your coloring blows me away. He is stunning! As with your words, everything touches the soul
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs xoxo
May we all shed our earthly baggage as we strive to take the narrow way to Jesus. Gorgeous job of coloring this latest creation, Jim. Blessings!
ReplyDelete