For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:14 (NASB)

Admittedly, this verse is not the most comforting or uplifting. It’s probably not found scrolled in beautifully handwritten calligraphy on a piece of old barn wood and hung for inspiration. And, it’s often uncomfortable to confront because we live in a culture and time that wants to be accepting of all ways leading to truth.

Small gate. Narrow way.

However, rather than taking heed to this verse and clinging to it as a reminder to be a source of light and truth to the few, we’re told, that will actually find life, many church denominations have further narrowed the path for others by adding their own rules and regulations.

That which is called holy and beautiful by God has often been adulterated with the stink of legalism by man.

The purity culture, for instance, teaches that sexual purity is important for the spiritual aspect, but it also makes promises that adherence to such teaching will produce fulfilling, godly marriages. So, what about all the ladies who still find themselves “in waiting?” While it may not be the root cause, purity culture has definitely aided in making marriage an idol in church culture.

Another example is the prosperity gospel that makes promises that God wants to bless our giving and obedience with wealth and earthly riches. “Name it and claim it” is another example of how the prosperity culture uses prayer to “speak promises into existence,” including, but not limited to, faith healings.

Such teachings look a lot like working, earning and manipulating favor–which happens to be exactly opposite of the unmerited grace spoken of throughout scripture. We’re told that the promises throughout the Bible are “yes and amen” in the name of Jesus, but we do not get to decide how or when the promises will be fulfilled.

So, why would church culture add more stipulations and hurdles to an already narrow way? And, how are such outrageous promises justified?

In general, I think that the church is full of people with good intentions. Perhaps we add our own rules in hopes of keeping people on the straight and narrow. The promises of things like wealth and happy marriages seem to fit our limited human nature–we like knowing that our best efforts will produce a good outcome.

However, I generally think such behavior modifications and promises stem from a need for the church to measure its “success.” And control seems to be the quickest and easiest way to get said measurable results.

God knows the deep, inner workings of the heart, man does not. So, when one refuses to act, speak or behave in a certain way it is easier to question and doubt if an actual conversion ever took place. It’s easier to question the amount of ones faith if healing does not occur from a prayer than it is to wrestle with the truth that God chooses to fully heal some and not others. Or, perhaps we think that we have to defend God when a desired outcome is not accomplished; it’s much easier to place blame on people in order to help God “save face.” (As if!)

This type of manipulation allows people to control outcome, rather than trusting that God is working, moving and changing the deepest inner workings of individuals.

There is power when a group of people adhere to the same strict teachings and beliefs, and a group makes it easier to dismiss others with differing thoughts, views and opinions.

Perhaps it’s the safety so many find with the black and white, right and wrong of legalism. It’s easier to label people who disagree, even going so far as condemning people, based on certain actions, behaviors and attitudes, to hell. As if we have any say or power in such matters.

Churches would do well to stick with the truth of scripture, not add to or take anything away.

And, honestly, we’ve got enough to worry about with just ourselves, we don’t need to worry about policing others in their faith. And, perhaps there is more grey when it come to areas involving actions, behaviors and attitudes.

May we never be so proud that we think we have it all figured out.