It's Not Hard, It's A Decision

Main Scriptures:

Matthew 7:13-14

Isaiah 59:7-8

Psalm 1

Matthew 11:28-30

Leviticus 20:26

1 Peter 2:9

Romans 12:2

Colossians 3:12

Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a decision?

People often say, “This is a hard decision I have to make.” But when I think about it, decisions aren’t really hard—because there’s ultimately only one right decision: choosing God.

God should always be our decision. When we chase after Him daily, our choices begin to align with His will and the responsibilities He has set before us. So why do decisions often feel so difficult? Because every choice carries weight. One decision can either move us forward on the path God has prepared for us, or it can delay us—or even pull us away from Him entirely.

Jesus speaks about this in Matthew 7:13–14 (ESV):

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes it clear: there are only two choices—the wide gate that leads to destruction, or the narrow gate that leads to life. The word enter is a verb—it requires action. God gives us the ability to choose. We can step into a holy life or a life that is not. In His Sermon the Mount, He compares a relationship to where people seek to have a relationship with God (religion) or living a life God's way with true sacrifice and love.

The word narrow means straight or confined, reminding us that the path won’t be easy. Obstacles will be close by. The greek word for narrow is thlibos (meaning trouble, opposition, persecution) remains us that although we are on a narrow path and doing the right then, even Jesus was persecuted. If we are truly imitating our life after Jesus, opposition and trouble will come our way as we live our life God's way. The gate represents access—a destination. Simply put, it’s either access to heaven or access to hell.

The wide gate may seem easier because it requires no standards, no discipline, and no sacrifice. This is an easy way of self-defined righteousness and hidden corruption that leads to chaos and destruction. The Sermon on the Mount shows that sin is not only outward actions (like murder) but also inward attitudes (like hatred, bitterness, judgement, selfishness towards our neighbor).This Includes not only blatant immorality but also self-righteous religion (Isaiah 59:7–8; Psalm 1). When people believe in God, but don't obey God.

The narrow gate, however, is different. It may be harder to walk through because it comes with standards—God’s standards. Through His Word, His commandments, and Christ’s example, He shows us how to live. And this path, though challenging, leads to eternal life. Few choose it—but it is always available. This is a harder path of inner transformation, sacrificial love, and true obedience to Jesus that leads to life—both now and forever. Although it may seem hard, Jesus reminds us that His yoke is easy and burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). End the end, God is going to bring us shalom, His peace. When people obey God's word and navigate life through sacrifice and love, just as Christ did. It's not the easiest option and it causes us to die to our flesh daily and be thoughtful about what we say, do, think, etc., and it leads to everlasting life in Christ Jesus.

God continually reminds us that we are called to live differently.

In Leviticus 20:26, He says:

“You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” 

Isn’t it amazing that the God of the universe chose us to be set apart, special, and loved? This means our walk, our talk, our responses, and our lifestyles are meant to look different from the world. And yet, all of this rests on one decision.

Peter reinforces this truth:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV).

Knowing that we are already royalty in Christ makes it clear—we don’t need to “fake it for the culture”, conform to this world or try to attempt a relationship with God when our hearts are not aligned with is. God sees our true heart, our true self. When we know who we are and Whose we are, the choice is obvious.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) tells us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Colossians 3:12 reminds us that we are set apart and sanctified for God’s purpose—not our own. Our lives are not ours to live however we please. We were created to glorify God, to advance His kingdom, and to bless others through the Gospel.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us not to rely on our own understanding. Instead, when we trust in the Lord and submit to Him, He will direct our paths. Remember, the straight path is also the narrow path—the one God has set before us. But we can only walk that path if we choose to trust Him, surrender our will, and live in obedience.

So if decision-making feels difficult, ask yourself: Am I walking in obedience to God? Am I sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Every decision we face requires obedience. God has already given us the instructions and shown us the outcome. The narrow path may not be easy—but it leads to everlasting life.

At the end of the day, it’s really not hard. It’s a decision.

Pray this Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding us today that every decision we face comes down to choosing You. Help us to walk through the narrow gate with courage and obedience, even when the path feels difficult. Expose our heart God. Take every ounce of wickedness from our hearts and make it pure and loving, align it with how we are suppose to love ourselves and our neighbor. Strengthen us to resist the temptations of the world and to live as a people set apart for Your purpose.

Lord, renew our minds daily so that our choices reflect Your will and bring glory to Your name. May we always remember who we are in Christ and choose life, truth, and holiness.

Keep us sensitive to Your Spirit and steadfast in our faith.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.