Mr. Lambert Greer: The Narrow Gate
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
Mr. Lambert Greer is a longtime minister in the Church of God with many years of pastoral experience. In a recent forum addressed to the Living Educations students, he took the time to explain Jesus’ command in Matthew to “enter by the narrow gate.” Mr. Greer used this example to relate important principles regarding our Christian walk in life.
The Importance of Gates
Matthew 7:13 states: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Mr. Greer explained the principle of a gate—for a fortified city, gates led directly inside and were the first point of contact and entry. Some ancient cities would have narrow gates to improve defensive capabilities—however, that proverbial narrow path and gate are, by their nature, difficult to traverse.
Our Path
As it relates to our Christian journey, the path we walk can be a hard one. Life is filled with hardships, temptations, and risks that can take us from one side of the road to the other. When we reach the point of being glorified as members of God’s Family, we will have overcome the world and its snares.
By contrast, the wide gate and the broad way reflect a way of life that is carefree and easy. It is smooth and inviting, but ultimately leads to destruction. The temptations and pitfalls that lie along this path can easily draw us in, and away from the narrow way.
Difficulties of the Narrow Way
Mr. Greer acknowledged that the narrow way is difficult, and that as we walk down it, there can be a temptation to veer to one side or the other. That is why balance can be a key issue for many trying to walk with God.
Many things are laid out clearly in Scripture, but there are also many things that we can only do according to our best understanding of the principles given by God. Our challenge is to learn to understand God’s mind and will as we seek to apply those principles daily. It can be easy to be too passive, disengaged, or lax in our spiritual life, which is a dangerous recipe for losing our zeal. And it can be just as easy to be overly harsh, rigid, and Pharisaical. Leaning too far toward this extreme shows a lack of understanding of God’s principles—God’s way accounts for mercy and balance.
Mr. Greer admonished the students to “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:34). God looks at the heart of an individual to see whether a person is committed to obeying Him, and allows them to be tested in order to help them develop His character. As we keep God’s commandments and learn to apply His principles, we come to know God better, which in turn helps us keep His commandments and observe those principles more effectively.
Challenges for the Church
We may be tested in our personal lives, but the Church also collectively experiences those tests at times. Mr. Greer reflected back on the apostasy that occurred in the Worldwide Church of God that led so many astray, and the difficulties that many members and ministers faced during that time. The examples of overemphasis or underemphasis on certain doctrines, extreme rigidity or lack of firmness where needed, and many other issues presented unique challenges for the Church as a whole. But, as Mr. Greer stated, we cannot judge God by the weaknesses and sins of men—we must stand before God on our own. Even when others fall off the path, we cannot always help them or push them to change—we have to make the best choices we can, be a positive example, and encourage them, but ultimately remember that we each have our own path.
Ultimately, Mr. Greer pointed out that we must be careful along the way, be attentive to our surroundings, and be on guard for things that can take us off the path—especially the small things. We have to see the big picture and avoid getting caught up in things that could take us away from our calling.
Draw Near to God
The narrow path on which we walk can be difficult, but the trials, tests, and difficulties we experience along the way are nothing compared to what we are offered at the end. As we strive for balance in our walk, we must stay on-track throughout our Christian walk, keeping the end goal in mind. Mr. Greer’s encouragement was to take advantage of what has been given to us, seek clarity and understanding from God, and to take ownership of what God has given us. We must pledge our heart to God and strive to stay the course of the narrow way.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
