Which is it? 6/9/2014

“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." Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)

²⁹ "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:29-30 (ESV)

If I were using a red-letter addition of the Bible, both verses above would be scarlet.  Both were spoken by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ within four chapters of each other.  If Christ spoke them, then they both must be true.  So why the apparent contradiction?
  
If my life were any indication, Matthew 7 would seem to have the upper hand.  I have not found the Christian life to be particularly easy and light for two reasons.

First, as my relationship with God grows, so does the awareness of areas in which I fall short.  There are constantly areas for growth.  Paul even writes about his on-going struggle with sin. "¹⁵ For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."  Romans 7:15 (ESV)

Second, as move close to God, I find my concern for others increases.  We are instructed in Galatians to "² Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

I am somehow missing the easy yoke and light burden Jesus mentions in Matthew.  Does that mean I am sorry I have chosen to follow Christ?  Emphatically, "NO!"  The peace, guidance, and reassurance I receive from Him through the Holy Spirit and Biblical promises far outweigh the burdens.