The Narrow Road, Part 1

Walking the narrow road, the path of Life, is one of the hardest challenges the Christian life requires; albeit, Christ, Himself. How is it challenging?
First of all, it is lonely, because "few there be that find it." Secondly, because of the parameters set on each side, the flesh of man is constantly denied. It doesn't like being told "no" which results in the infighting with the Spirit that Paul references in God's Word. (Gal. 5:16,17)  This inward restlessness causes him to label himself a "wretched man,' with the only One, Jesus Christ, being able to calm this condition.(Rom. 7:24) He does this as we are conformed into His image, with the Spirit in us, gaining dominion by putting the flesh to it's welcomed demise.(Rom. 8:29) It is "welcomed" by all true believers because His sons and daughters despise their own flesh with it's lusts and nature, as much as He does. It is the rebellious, God-mocking, self-elevating part of them that fights His will to the bitter end; the part that "tries" to usurp it's own self seeking will over His Sovereignty and Holiness. Weren't Adam and Eve cast out of the garden for the same thing,  and their example, satan, from heaven? Praise God, our flesh can be conquered by the Spirit He's given us, if we are born-again. Thirdly, this path is arduous and challenging because we need futuristic vision to help us continue on it, which God gives, through the understanding in His Word, as revealed by the Spirit. We must walk by faith and not sight as we tread. He tells us, not only, that "he who endures to the end will be saved," but that this path "leads to life," while the "broad path leads to destruction." To keep going, and stay on the path is not an option, if we are to, one day, see Him face to face! If we didn't have Him as our guide to warn, strengthen us, and lead the way, though, we all would stray.