The Lord Jesus commands (not suggests) that we must "strive to enter through the narrow gate." To strive is to put your all into it - to be entirely devoted. It is a life and death struggle, and even more than that - eternal life or eternal death. This is how we ought to enter the gate.

Our Lord said that many would like to enter in but they do it so casually, according to how they feel, that they will never be able to enter in.

When they asked Jesus if few would be saved, He did not answer directly, but brought them to the practical side of it. You must make sure that you enter in at that narrow gate. Have you entered the narrow gate and are you walking on the narrow way? If you say, "I don't know", then you have not entered. The battle to enter in is too great. You will know it. It is greater than your wedding day. Do you strive daily with all your heart to stay on this narrow way?

Some may appear very sincere, like the rich young ruler, but when it came down to the single thing which Christ pointed out that he should forsake, his attitude changed to one of sadness - he was unable to enter. Some will be like the camel and will never enter the gate. Though it seems impossible our Lord said that "with God all things are possible."

Another example of one who was not willing to strive to enter in was Esau (found just after our Hebrews text). He did what ever he felt like and was even willing to exchange his birthright for food. Afterwards he sought it with tears, but was rejected, for he found no place for repentance.

When the gate has shut and the time of grace has passed, many will try to enter in, but will not be able to. In Noah's day the people heard God's prophet and saw his works and warnings for an hundred and twenty years, but refused God's grace and mocked. Afterwards, when the rains descended, they sought to enter in, but God shut the door. The time of grace has passed.

Duncan Cambell, of the Hebrides revival, played in an orchestra as a young man. One day, as he played his pan pipes, he saw Jesus hanging on the cross for his sin. At the interval in the concert, he went to his best friend, Trevor, and told him that he was making his decision for Christ. Trevor answered that he was not ready yet. Trevor became a successful business man and Duncan a revival preacher. On Trevor's death bed, the minister urged him to receive Christ, but he answered, "Do not speak to me about that. It is too late. The matter was settled the night Duncan spoke to me about his decision for Christ, and I refused it." When Jesus speaks to you, answer immediately, forsake all and follow Him, just as Peter and the other disciples. Even though they left all, they were blessed. They stayed true until death, even in martyrdom.

Some are despondent because they have tried and failed. We must heed the Lord's command to strive and enter in - now! In a similar way the text in Hebrews commands us not to be downcast but that we should rather "strengthen the hands which hang down." We are not to be despondent but seek to obey the Lord immediately. Even if you have failed in the past, you are commanded to stand up and obey. There is no other way.