Our Culture and The Narrow Gate
Todays society is always searching for the wide gate which may be easy to traverse but there is not much on the other side. I hate to say it but many Americans are lazy and addicted to material comfort and some might say even narcissistic. Jesus warns us of such addictions and habits. He tells us to find eternal happiness we must enter through the narrow gate to obtain true and everlasting treasure.
The allure of ease pervades modern society, fueled by a constant stream of promises that offer simplified solutions and effortless success. However, the pursuit of an easy life often paradoxically leads to greater difficulties, a sentiment echoed across philosophical and religious traditions. As Baruch Spinoza observed, "All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare," highlighting the inherent connection between striving and achieving true distinction.
This inherent difficulty, far from being a deterrent, is precisely what safeguards excellence from becoming commonplace.
The proliferation of shortcuts and instant gratification schemes, as suggested by the initial statement, creates a culture susceptible to charlatans offering deceptively easy paths. These false promises, whether in the realm of finance, health, or personal development, ultimately erode genuine effort and commitment.
The pursuit of quick fixes undermines the essential processes of learning, perseverance, and resilience, all crucial components in attaining lasting success. Individuals who succumb to the allure of ease often find themselves disillusioned, lacking the skills and experience necessary to navigate the inevitable challenges life presents.
The rarity of excellence stems from the inherent difficulty of its pursuit. It demands unwavering dedication, rigorous self-discipline, and a willingness to confront obstacles head-on. Practicing your faith, learning a complex skill, mastering a craft, or building a meaningful relationship all require sustained effort and a tolerance for setbacks.
The easy path, conversely, often leads to superficiality and a lack of deep understanding. The wide gate, as described in the biblical passage from Matthew, represents a path of least resistance, ultimately leading you away from God and joy and to an erosion of character and the failure to realize one's full potential with the gift, grace and virtues that God gives us.
In conclusion, while the pursuit of efficiency and streamlining processes can be beneficial, the wholesale adoption of an "easy" ethos carries significant risks. True excellence is not achieved through shortcuts or effortless solutions, but through diligent effort, unwavering commitment, and the embrace of challenge. By rejecting the siren song of ease and embracing the inherent difficulty of meaningful pursuits, we can cultivate the qualities necessary for lasting success and contribute to a world where excellence, though rare, is rightfully valued and pursued with unwavering dedication.
Just remember all your stuff will not fit through the narrow gate !
Pax Christi, Momento Mori et Carpe Diem,
Mike The Lesser