The Narrow Road

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?
-Matthew 7:13-16 NASB

It is becoming increasingly clear just how narrow the road is that we are traveling on. Wrong turns, missed exits, and tourist sideshow attractions are waiting at every pass, ready to throw the believer off course. With voices shouting opinions at us from every direction, it’s important to stay rooted and grounded in the Living Word. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, we are able to see the road that lies ahead more clearly.

In this article, we are going to explore a few reasons why some are beginning to either backslide or stray off of the path completely. Often, when a person begins to follow the commandments of YHWH, they can develop a certain level of zeal that can be a bit much. Almost all of us, including myself, have been guilty of this from time to time. A religious, Pharisaical spirit rises up and brings condemnation instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to bring conviction. I see people primarily communicating using vague memes, never allowing a pure heart and good example to be the light that draws in the lost. This can be extremely damaging not only to our overall witness, but to our relationships with family and friends. With time usually comes maturity, but not always. Truth spoken without love is deafening to the listener, as our brother Paul states in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. The body of Messiah that follow the commandments must learn to depart from this type of behavior.

Truth Without Love

“If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
-1 Corinthians 13:1 NASB

Still, the fact that some well-meaning brothers and sisters are unable to bridle their tongues and operate in grace and compassion does not negate our duty to YHWH to diligently obey His commandments. It does not give us a pass to compromise or show complacency in the face of sin, nor does it give allowance for judgment and condemnation. These are not the only options.

 “So you shall be careful to do just as YHWH your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. You shall walk entirely in the way which YHWH your God has commanded you, so that you may live and that it may be well for you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.”
-Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NASB

As off-putting as some of this over-zealousness can be, our Messiah himself says that He would prefer it to a lukewarm, weakened faith. In fact, His words are rather sharp on the matter.

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”
-Revelation 3:15-16 KJV

A Greater Judgment

As important as it is to find balance in all of these things in general, there is even more responsibility and weight placed upon those in positions as teachers or other influencers of thought. There is a reason why James warns that not many should be called teachers and our Messiah says that it would be better to be drowned than to cause a little one to stumble. Consider that we all come into the faith as newborn babes. Far be it that anyone be led astray due to something that comes out of our mouths. Each word must be carefully weighed in the balance, as perception is reality. It doesn’t matter what you’re “trying to say” if it is unable to be clearly and simply understood. YHWH is not the author of confusion. Neither should His people be.

“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness.”
-James 3:1 RSV

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
-Matthew 18:6 KJV

The best way to spot a false doctrine or teacher, whether intentional or simply blind, is to learn what a true one looks like according to scripture. Let’s break down a few key passages.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
-James 3:13-18 KJV

Wisdom from Above:

• Pure – undefiled, clean
• Peaceable – antonyms include “belligerent” and “unfriendly“
• Gentle – fair, mild, patient
• Easy to be entreated – being approachable and willing to listen to others’ requests or pleas. It reflects a kind and reasonable attitude, making it easier for people to ask for help or guidance.
• Full of mercy – or compassion
• Full of good fruits – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
• Without partiality – fair, not double-minded or biased
• Without hypocrisy – does not say one thing while acting in opposition to their statements. Does not project their wrongdoings and faults onto others or “blame shift.”

Additional reading: 2 Peter 2

What Wisdom is Not:

• Jealous – envious
• Full of strife – contentious: antagonistic, combative
• Fleshly:
  • Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (lust)
  • Idolatry – physical or spiritual (idols in heart, Ez. 14:3; covetousness, Col. 3:5)
  • Witchcraft – manipulation
  • Hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions (divisive, contentious)
  • Heresies – dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims – Thayer’s
  • Envious, murderous, drunkenness, revellings (partying)
• Confusing – YHWH is not the author of confusion. (1 Cor. 14:33)

Side note: Artificial intelligence – While AI can be a useful tool, it must not be used as a replacement for study, research, exhortation, correction, or personal communication. This is lazy and inauthentic. Divine wisdom comes from above, artificial wisdom does not.

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”
-1 Timothy 6:3-6 NASB

So, in a sea of knowledge, opinions, private interpretations, and falsehood… whose voice are you listening to? Is it the still, small one that gently guides to all truth? Or is it one of the many loud and proud self-proclaimed experts in all things related to scripture? Test the spirits, beloveds.

Recognizing Manipulation

While discernment is a spiritual gift that can and should be prayed for, there are also practical things we can learn to sharpen our abilities to recognize common deceptions or manipulation tactics. Aside from testing people’s words and actions to scripture, we can assess whether the following themes are present.

Flattery

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
-Romans 16:17-18 ESV

Consider Absalom in 2 Samuel 15. He won the hearts of the people by validating their grievances and subtly undermining authority. This weaponized empathy led to chaos and disorder throughout the entire kingdom.

“You’re right, people in the Torah Movement are just so nasty to one another. Separating from them and softening on sin is best in order to be a peacemaker.”

Mocking & Scoffing

“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.”
-Proverbs 14:9 KJV

Social pressure is created using humor, sarcasm, or mockery instead of reasoning. Intelligence levels are questioned, spelling and grammar is cheekily corrected. We see this circulate often in the arena of the “shape of the earth” debate. The meme wars also come back to mind.

“Conspiracy theorist.”
“Ignorant Torah terrorist.”

Gaslighting & Red Herrings

 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.“
-2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV

Truth is blurred, questions are reframed as pride or ignorance, and discernment is labeled divisive. By undermining confidence in the believer’s ability to test all things, authority quietly replaces accountability. What begins as “guidance” becomes control. The issue is no longer the issue, YOU are the issue. An entirely new topic is brought in as a distraction. Meanwhile, obedience is minimized.

“Yeah, xyz is technically true, but you said it in a rude way.”

The situation is then redirected to your behavior being the offense, rather than the black and white definitions of wrong and right.

False Dichotomy & Straw Men

Another common theme is being given only two extreme, polarized examples to consider surrounding a topic. In reality, there are multiple alternative scenarios that could be at play. The most dramatic choices are highlighted in ways such as framing someone to either be loving or hateful. Nothing in between is allowed to exist.

“Straw man” examples include:
-A valid point/counter argument is made
-Then it is replaced by an exaggerated or distorted version.

“So you’re saying everyone who celebrates is evil.”
“So you think you’re more righteous than everyone.”
“So now you’re accusing your brother of a capital crime… you want them to die?”

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A recent example is the yearly winter holiday season controversy. This year, there was an interesting level of dividing people into one of two camps: either you are loving and showing peace, or you are divisive, prideful, and full of contention. What if there is actually another option?

It is not only fully possible, but quite common for folks to stand firmly for their convictions, while still behaving gracefully to and not shunning their families. Spirit and truth. This fact is being grossly overshadowed by the spotlight being placed only on the extremes. This “black and white” thinking is much like the dynamics seen in politics and other social issues. I have a theory that much like the media influences that area, social media is influencing the body of Messiah to divide over every possible issue.

My personal experience in this walk has been mostly in-person, rather than online fellowship. With that, I can confidently say that there really are a lot more fruitful and loving people on this walk than the internet would have you believe. They are just most often silent, do not participate in fruitless debates or strive over words, or just don’t use social media. The movement looks bad because the loudest voices are the ones being heard. The quiet beauty lies in real life fellowship and community.

Divide & Conquer: Sheep Among Wolves

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
-Matthew 10:16 KJV

Learning to identify falsehoods is vital to our faith. We are warned over and over not to be deceived. This is surely because of the full onslaught that is being waged against those who have the faith in Messiah and follow the commandments.

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
-Revelation 13:7 KJV

Consider how the wolf hunts:

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) hunt cooperatively by testing herds for vulnerability rather than attacking indiscriminately. Packs approach and move around a herd, applying pressure through movement and pursuit to observe how the group responds. This behavior often causes prey animals to bunch together or break formation, revealing individuals that are old, injured, inexperienced, or otherwise compromised. Wolves then focus their effort on isolating a single vulnerable animal, typically attacking from the rear or sides once separation occurs. Rather than deliberately “moving through the center” of a herd, wolves exploit natural fragmentation caused by fear, fatigue, terrain, or poor coordination. Successful hunts depend more on the prey’s loss of cohesion than on brute force or rigid strategy.

The wolves surround the flock, applying pressure and observing the effects. The arguments begin. Some of the herd groups together for safety, others break formation and scatter. The weak in faith are left vulnerable. The stumbling blocks are placed. The ravens fly in to pluck up the seeds and all that remains. Our battle is not against flesh and blood. These are spiritual, targeted attacks. Highly intelligent, ancient evil has been waiting for these days for thousands of years. We must unite in our faith, not wavering on our obedience. This is how we will overcome.

Division WILL Come

 “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
-Luke 12:51-53

What does this mean? Do we completely cut off our family because they don’t believe the same as us? Do we separate from our Christian friends? Hardly. A time may come when that is necessary, but until then we are called to walk in love. Biblical love is not the same as the world’s definition. While rebuke and sharing the truth of the commandments is necessary and important, it has to be balanced and seasoned with salt and grace. Again, we don’t want to be clanging cymbals. But love can also set boundaries.

“Hey family, we love you guys and hope you are blessed. However, our family has decided not to partake in these holidays anymore and instead we have found a lot of joy in honoring the Messiah through the feast days given in Leviticus 23. We’re happy to talk more about this if you want. This isn’t from a place of judgment or condemnation towards you, but we have been convicted through our studies, prayer, and research on the matter. We kindly ask that you not purchase our children gifts during this time, and understand that we are not trying to offend in our not attending family holiday events. We are happy to get together on any other days with you all, and graciously accept any “just-because” gifts at other times of the year. We love you and thank you for respecting the choices we have made for our family, as we hope to show you the same.”

Going back to Romans 16, the true issues with divisiveness come from within this walk. “Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Much of the recent contention I have seen has been over the topic of whether or not it’s okay to celebrate holidays that the nations celebrate. I don’t know about you, but that is contrary to the doctrine which I have been taught regarding guarding the commandments of the Most High. For more on our family’s view on this topic, see this video.

Something else to consider:

“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.”
-Luke 21:16-17 KJV

A time will come when your family may be the ones turning against you. Until then, live your life as a living, breathing testimony for the Messiah and the goodness of the Torah. It truly is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey from the honeycomb when administered correctly.

Final Thoughts

“But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.“
-Matthew 12:48-50 KJV

The very people so many are casting to the side due to their lack of spiritual maturity are the very people who we may one day have to rely on the most as the days grow darker. When persecution for righteousness increases, who is better to have on your side? Again, our Messiah says he would prefer the too hot or cold versus those stuck in the middle of fully submitting to his will and holding on to their flesh. The heart must be circumcised. Yes, people can be rough, brash, and downright nasty. Consider they are often coming from a place of genuine concern, but lack the leadership or discipleship to properly walk that out. The great commission is to make disciples, not converts. We’ve all heard this saying.

The identifiable issue is the overall lack of true shepherding and discipleship. Truth is revealed at every Facebook scroll, podcast, YouTube video imaginable… but where is the follow-up? Those sharing truth and the seasoned in the faith have a higher accountability here. Much knowledge and wisdom has been given to such as these, but often only the knowledge is widely taught. Knowledge is learned through speech. Wisdom must be mostly shown through example in behavior. It must be much more intentional. As knowledge continues to multiply, so does pride, as Paul warns.

So what are we to do here? I would raise a call to action for those who consider themselves to be stronger in faith and wisdom, to help shoulder those who are still in a weaker state and show them a better way. Rather than giving up and walking away from any association with “the Torah movement” and constantly berating and trash talking the community as a whole… I would ask that the same extension of grace be given to those who are not as spiritually mature on this walk as is being asked to those who are in the mainstream Christian faith and do not yet fully understand that there is action required with faith. It is a double standard to ask otherwise.

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”
-Romans 15:1-2 KJV

Declaration of Intentions

It saddens me to see the effects that strife and division have on those attempting to walk the narrow path, especially those caught in the middle of false dichotomies, feeling forced to choose one or the other. It’s like “voting for the lesser of two evils”.

I refuse to participate in the devil’s games here.

• I will stand firmly and boldly for the truth.
• I will do this while walking in love and obedience.
• I will allow the Holy Spirit to work in people’s lives at the speed YHWH sees necessary, not overstepping into that role.
• I will not compromise.
• I will strive to be a gentle guide to other believers when they are unfruitful, not mocking or scoffing at them.

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Let’s revitalize the heartbeat of this movement. Let our love for YHWH and each other be a banner of hope, and the light of the Torah shine as a beacon of peace. Shalom.

Disclaimer: This article was written by a human. Photos generated by robots.