Come on in, Jesus

COME on IN, JESUS

 

A woman named Martha opened her home to him
(Luke 10:38 NIV).

 

In my travels, I am often entertained by families with children. I can easily tell when Mom and Dad have coached the little ones on how to act in the presence of company. Their carefully practiced manners and polite conversations bring a smile of satisfaction to the faces of proud parents.

 

But with children, you cannot remain a guest for very long. In a matter of hours at best, they have grown accustomed to having someone share their home, and they get tired of being on their best behavior. Soon their guard is down and they return to normal. I've watched some parents get very uneasy and even a bit embarrassed as a child began to treat me like one of the family; but frankly, that's when I become most comfortable. It's much nicer to be treated as a member of the household than as an honored guest.

 

What difference would it make if Jesus Christ were to reside at your house — not as a guest to be honored, but as a permanent resident — as a member of the family? What if He were sitting at the head of the table every time you gathered for a meal? Would you say the same things, tell the same stories? Would your relationships with family members change if He were there? But then . . . He is there!

 

Life response: Is Christ an "honored guest" in my home, or is He a "member of the family"?