When a good friend comes to your home, what greets him? If a poor man or dirty child or needy person comes to your door (if they ever do), what greets him as he crosses the threshold–if he gets that far?
There is a saying that home is where the heart is. There is some truth to the saying, but maybe more truth than we would like to admit. In the spring season it is common in our part of the world to tidy up the yard, plant a garden, and renew the appearance of the home we live in. What we also do is underline the purpose of our home. It can be, and often is, a personal castle, a private place, a place where we are our own lord. In most places, security banners are in the entrances indicating we protect what is inside. However, the security walls of the heart are less seen but more effective in keeping things out. We often do not let people in who do not fit our standards or challenge our self-centered private lives. How interesting?
Jesus Christ had no home, but greeted everyone. Jesus grew up in a strict culture, but was impartial to culture. We protect wealth, but Jesus’ had wealth in the heart that he gave with no restriction. He would eat with anyone, we are often very selective in who will sit at our tables.
Believers, if you live a life at home to yourself and your home is off-limits to His leading and touch, you have built a castle that will not stand. But if your home is a reflection of the love of God in the manner in which you build it, use it, and permit it to be a place from which the good news of His love permeates its purposes, then you have done well. Let where you live be a stronger and stronger expression of Christ. It is not a trivial task, because we tend to withhold rather than give. Choose wisely, so when the storms come, what you have built will stand.
References: Luke 10:38-41; Luke 15:1-7; Luke 18:18-29; Luke 7:36-50
Believers in ministry, if you work and are paid for your work that relates to the gospel, I am persuaded that a check is needed. If the income and vocational helps went away, would you do the same thing? Do you know how I would tell? I could tell by looking at your home and how you live. Do not be deceived, if the gospel rings true in your heart, your home–even more than your work–expresses that truth.
Unbelievers, who is this Jesus that challenges our fundamental desire to be our own Lord. It is your Creator–the One who knows the inclination of your heart, where you live, and what you are doing. He came to buy you back, to pay a ransom for your emptiness and sin, and to love you. If you receive Him, He will place His life within you. It will change who is Lord, and especially who is Lord of your home. Your home will be with Him, and your physical home will slowly begin to be an expression of that same thing.
