Often, I find myself wrestling with how the language of the “narrow path” and the New Testament’s emphasis on expecting persecution have inadvertently caused many Christians to assume that when masses of people tell them they’re wrong, they must actually be on the right track.

On the whole, I think Paul’s letters and Jesus’ general language around “walking the narrow path” were meant to humble us, not divinely sanctify our actions just because we claim to follow Christ. The fact that the path is narrow means that often, we’re not walking on it either.

It’s true that Christians can and should expect pushback from the masses whenever they fully embody the teachings of Christ. Twitter should be living proof that the concept of “loving your enemies” is often shunned and rarely seen as virtuous by the culture anymore.

But as for the Christians who vote for Trump, receive scorn from the people around them, and think it must mean they did the right thing?

Jesus didn’t say “any criticism you receive makes you righteous and better.” Nah, dude. He gave up his life for the people criticizing him.

“Walking the narrow path” must always be a direct corollary to exhibiting sacrificial love in every facet of life. Anything else, especially anything that aims to put Christians above others, is not the “narrow path.” It’s an idol that will be criticized for good reason.