Imagine yourself walking a narrow and tight road that's really cold and dimly lit. Periodically, you feel strong winds cutting through your cracked skin and sending shivers down your spine. Perhaps that was how Jesus felt when He walked obediently till death - the narrow road. 

The walk on the narrow road is gruelling. There are many things to consider because you don't go on a long road trip without being well equipped and prepared mentally. To ensure that we're able to continue walking on this narrow road, what are some items on the list we need to check off?

Receive baptism. The Lord Jesus’ blood washes away our sins which allows us to freely grow closer to God (1 John 1:7-9). Moreover, He baptises us with the Holy Spirit which means we can receive the Holy Spirit and can pray to Him in the spirit (Lk 3:16; Mt 3:11). This is truly the wonderful grace of our Lord. Since we are really well taken care of while walking along this narrow road, we must constantly be renewed in the spirit of our minds and draw closer to Him (Eph 3:23).

Catch yourself when you start becoming complacent. Have you ever had comforting thoughts about how good you are in your faith? If that's the case, be wary. When John the Baptist reprimanded the crowd, he told them to avoid thinking that they will be excused from the coming wrath of God because they are descendants of Abraham (Lk 3:7-9). That applies to us as well: reassuring yourself of your current status as part of God’s people without examining your daily actions and behaviour and repenting thereafter is the most dangerous thing you can do to yourself. What would you ever do if your name is erased from the Book of Life! (Lk 3:9,17; Rev 3:5). In the case of Herod, his heart was filled to the brim with pride and stubbornness and abused his authority to put someone in jail just because he felt attacked by him who pointed out his wrongdoings (Lk 3:18-20). A classic example which teaches us not to behave like bullies, but to have the heart of humility with constant self-examination so that we never become a human behaving like Herod. Thus, catch yourself and bring every thought into the obedience of Christ (2 Corin 10:5).

Diligence in loving others. The Lord loves those who love. When you see others in need, put out your hand! (Lk 3:11). Bring them the warmth that the Lord has brought to you. That's the only way to give back to Him who loves deeply and faithfully. He never discounts the people who are genuinely loving and kind to those around them. This is part of being the light of the world where you shine by producing good works, that those who see you may glorify the wonderful God in heaven (Mt 5:16). 

Proactive repentance. We all make mistakes. Once you have been educated about your own sins, never go back to them anymore (Lk 3:12-13). Going back to them is really like going back to your own vomit–smelling, tasting and stuffing your face with something you know is disgusting (Prov 26:11). We must turn back to Him who is pleasant and full of goodness. With self control and reliance on the Holy Spirit to not repeat our sinful past. Anybody can begin doing this with some determination. 

The Lord Jesus is the perfect example for us to follow. Let us walk the narrow path with faith and consistent effort because our Lord Jesus is waiting for us at the very end of this path.