Being a true disciple of Christ is not an easy matter, for it requires self-denial, cross-bearing and obedience to His word. Many profess to be His followers who know nothing either of sacrifice, soul-trouble, or of walking in His steps. Many want to be called by His name, but it is only to take away their reproach, for they will neither embrace His doctrine nor submit themselves to His righteousness. They do err, not knowing the Scriptures (in their true sense), nor the power of God, and consequently "they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God (See Isa. 4:1, Matt. 22:29 and Rom. 10:3). 

    In order to be a bonafide disciple of Christ we must, as a way of life, deny ourselves anything that does not please God or honor Him and we must be willing to humbly reconcile ourselves to the opposition and hardship that such a course exposes us to. We cannot deny ourselves the friendship of the world without experiencing this cross. If we are not willing to put the cause of Christ above everything else, even our own family connections if necessary, and our worldly possessions, we cannot be His disciples (See Luke 14:26-27). This may seem hard to us sometimes, but if "coming after Christ" was as easy as popular religion tries to make it appear, then the "narrow" way would be the "broad way," overflowing with all sorts of people. 

    The requirements for true discipleship weeds out pretenders (false professors) as well as the "almost persuaded" and leaves room only for the truly dedicated and devoted. Not only is the path of obedience and self-denial called the narrow way, but it is entered by a "strait" or difficult gate. It is unpleasant and disagreeable to the flesh, and consequently no man will enter it, or faithfully remain there, unless the Spirit of God so deals with him as to make the narrow way more appealing than any other way and shows him that the alternative will ultimately be far more difficult. 

    May the Lord help us to sincerely come after Him and to truly be His disciples. And may we so live as not to give the adversary any just cause to speak reproachfully of us.