Home Is Where the Heart Is

“Home Is Where the Heart Is” 1 John 3:23-24; John 14:1-4, 23 I have a 45-minute commute to and from work each day. I see the same kids each day waiting for the bus. I know which day the trash goes out, which day is recycling day in most little towns I pass through. I know the favorite pizza place of many as I see their cardboard boxes set out. I can look at vehicles in the driveway and for the most part know how many kids they have and if they own pets. Many have decals on the back vehicle window showing/depicting boys/girls. Cats and dogs. Sports the kids play in. School decals as well. A favorite beach they’ve visited. Bike and roof racks for travel. Towing hitch indicating maybe they have a boat or camper and the like. License plates as well, with initials. Sometimes a plate stating a degree or profession as “Dr.” so and so. Some with messages such as “too close” or even “back off.” One can see the birth and death dates of a loved one etched in a decal. Sometimes I see a display of one’s faith as well. Typically, the fish symbol or a cross. Wow! All of this from just looking at vehicles! I take notice of people’s homes as well, as I’m sure many of you do. It’s amazing how much you can determine just from looking at the outside of one’s home and surroundings. For instance, I went for a walk on my lunch break at work and took notice of the homes I passed. Swing sets, toys and strollers in many yards indicate children or maybe even a daycare. Old, faded orange “tot finder” decals on windows. I recall those growing up. We don’t see those much anymore. Although useful for rescue personnel to assist in removing children from danger, one could also argue they could be used to lead perpetrators right to your child’s bedroom (the world we live in now). Flags were a big hit as well. Flags with one’s favorite sports team. Political affiliation flags. Military branch flags. Occasionally, the American flag is seen flying. Holiday/seasonal flags and decorations show us which holidays a homeowner recognizes and celebrates. I could tell as well who loved to plant and garden. Who took pride in their lawns. Who had pets. Campers and boats. Basketball hoops hanging. Garages and sheds with doors open revealed projects started and maybe some left unfinished. I could go on and on. All of this from simply looking at the outside. This got me thinking about my own home. I stood outside and looked around. If I were a stranger, I could conclude many things. My family likes to camp and boat. Fishing and hunting. An outdoor grill and deck furniture indicate we enjoy time outside. A memorial garden in the front yard with a stone in memory of my brother-in-law. Some flowers peeking up mean that I planted them in the fall for spring arrival. A bird feeder. A blue and silver winter wreath still on my front door reminding me I forgot to take it down when putting away winter decorations. A handmade sign propped next to the house saying welcome to the “barking beagles bed and breakfast.” One could easily assume I have beagles. Also, a few signs in various places stating “beware-dogs may/will bite.” Now, anyone that has been to my house knows this is a total lie. They may be noisy little guys but their tails are always wagging in hopes of getting a cookie from someone. As I walked up the steps I noticed the welcome mat in front of the door. For the most part I felt my home had a degree of “welcome appeal.” This, I believe, is the hope and want for most of us. Many, however, may not feel this way. They want to be alone and unbothered. One may see a sign hanging on the door or window stating “no visitors” or “no solicitors.” Doors and windows shut and locked up tight. Curtains drawn. A welcome mat or wreath may be absent. I was taught, as I’m sure you were, to never judge a home by the exterior. With that being said, let’s ask ourselves this: “What do people see and feel when they walk INTO our homes?” Most will be able to determine many things. Furnishing style. Color choices ranging from calm to bold. Decor. Pictures. Especially pictures. Family photos recalling important events. Vacation pictures. Generation portraits may even be displayed. Children and/or pets in the home. If we like to read, there may be books displayed and, if so, what do we like to read? Is our Bible displayed? Surely not to “impress” our guests but rather placed readily available for anyone at anytime to pick up and read. This got me thinking. What (and where) do we place the evidence of our Christian faith? Of course, display in our earthly homes is important. But … what about our “other” home? Our heart’s home? The home of the Holy Spirit? Maybe we’ve never really thought about our body as a temple. Most days I feel mine is a shack in need of renovation. 1Corinthians, however, tells us our bodies are “temples” for the Holy Spirit. Hear Ephesians 3:16-17 (Paul speaking), “I pray that out of HIs glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Our “inner” being? Christ wants to dwell in our hearts? Yes, He does and He is ready to move in! What kind of shape is our heart in? Do we need to rearrange and remodel? More importantly, is our welcome mat out — or have we placed a sign on our heart’s door reading “do not enter” or even “come back another time”? Not too long ago I was given (not once, but twice) a little booklet to read titled “My Heart-Christ’s Home” by Robert Boyd Munger. Perhaps you have read it. I felt the need to share since God clearly wanted me to read this. One book was sent to me locally and the other from down South. Both sent within a twomonth period of each other. God was speaking and making it quite clear that I needed to do some spring cleaning, so to speak, in my heart. But where? I spoke some time ago about a room in our hearts — the forgiveness room. I felt that I had tidied up my heart pretty well as I was able to forgive a person that had been waiting in that room for some time for me to meet them. I recall in that message how clear in my mind Christ walked with me though the hallways of my heart to get to that room, only to find I had it bolted and chained. Only through Him was I able to walk into that room and embrace and forgive the person waiting there for me. I set her (and myself) free after that; and I am happy to say that, with God’s grace and peace, I have never looked back. The heart, however, has many rooms; and after reading this booklet, it was clear to me I had some work to do. In his booklet, Robert is excited to invite Christ into his home (his heart). He states that Christ filled the emptiness in his heart with compassion and harmony. He stated he has no regrets for opening the door to Christ despite having had to “clean up” a few rooms. Once Christ entered his heart, Robert states he asked Christ to settle down and be at home. He then gives Christ a tour to point out the special features of his heart’s “home.” First stop, the library, or the “study” of the mind Robert calls this. He refers to this room as the “control” room of the house. The mind is certainly controlling. And not always in a good way, we know. Robert became uneasy as Christ looked around. Some pictures and books in Robert’s mind were not suitable for Christ to look at. Thoughts and images as well were in this room (the mind) that a Christian should not possess. Robert apologizes to Jesus, saying the room needed a makeover, and Robert asks for Jesus to help with this. Robert is told to replace the books, pictures, thoughts and images in his mind with reading Scripture. He goes on to tell Robert He knows this will be difficult and gives a suggestion. If Robert would hang a picture of Jesus “centrally” in his mind, then his thoughts would be Christ centered. Robert was to view and focus on this picture as much as he could whenever and wherever these thoughts and images crept in. Next was a tour of the dining room. The room of appetite and desires. This was Robert’s favorite room. He worked hard and spent much time trying to satisfy all of his wants. Christ sat at the table and asked what was on the menu. Robert replied that his favorite dishes were money, academic achievements, stocks, fame and fortune. When the plates were placed in front of Jesus, He said nothing and did not eat. When asked what was wrong, He told Robert that food that really satisfies comes with doing the will of the Heavenly Father. It wasn’t that this food was all “bad” per se, but rather, it could not feed the soul and satisfy true hunger. Robert tasted the food offered by Jesus and realized it was full of flavor and even better ― he wasn’t hungry anymore. Next, they moved to the living room. It was quiet and comfortable with a fireplace, sofa, overstuffed chairs and a bookcase. Jesus remarked it was a delightful room and wanted to meet there often for talks and fellowship. Robert was thrilled at the thought of meeting Jesus daily and promised Jesus he would meet Him there every morning to start the day together. Robert began reading the Bible in the living room with Jesus each morning. Over time Robert felt the Holy Spirit talking to him. A loving, lasting friendship was blossoming. Slowly though, over time, their visits lessened. Robert became busy and distracted with things and would miss days here and there. He recalls rushing past the room one morning and noticing the door was open. He looked in and saw the fireplace was lit and Jesus sitting there. Robert remembers a feeling of sadness wash over him. Jesus was his guest and Robert had forgotten about Him. Robert asks Jesus if He has been there each morning waiting for him. Jesus reminds Robert that He told Robert He would show up each day and He had. Robert asks for forgiveness and, of course, Jesus grants it. However, Jesus went on to tell Robert that not only does the quiet together time mean something to Robert, but it means something to Jesus as well. I have to tell you I read that a couple of times as I had never really thought of it this way. I know my time with Jesus means much to me, but it also means so very much to Him. We should be reminded that Jesus will show up even when we do not. Not long after this conversation, Jesus asks Robert if there is a workroom. Robert answers that there is a garage/workbench area where in the past he tinkered around making a few gadgets but nothing really manifested from it. Jesus goes to the work area and views the few talents and skills Robert possessed. Jesus tells Robert the area is equipped rather well and asks Robert what he is producing from these talents and skills for the kingdom of God. Robert gives excuses, stating he cannot do any better. Jesus then quotes from Scripture stating, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” He tells Robert to relax and trust more in Him. To let Him do the heavy, harder work. Jesus put His arms and hands around Robert, showing him how he could accomplish much if he would just let the Holy Spirit work in him. Robert states it’s not our “ability” but our “availability” that is important. Next stop, the rec room. Robert was hoping Jesus would not inquire about this room. It was the room Robert visited for fun, and there were activities Robert felt Jesus would not approve of; so when Jesus inquired, Robert danced around the subject. One night when Robert was headed to the rec room to meet friends for a night out, Jesus stated He would like to go with Robert. Robert makes excuses and instead suggests they attend a church function together the following evening. Jesus tells him okay but He thought when He moved in, they were going to do everything together. Robert had a terrible night out, leaving Jesus behind. He questioned what kind of friend he was to Jesus. When Robert got home that night, he saw a light on in Jesus’ room; and he went in to talk with Jesus. Jesus then transformed the rec room with new friends. New joys. New music. Jesus even joked with Robert, stating He knew Robert would think hanging out with Jesus would be a drab. Jesus then quotes Scripture, “Remember that I have come that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Jesus and Robert then enter Robert’s bedroom where they have a discussion about Robert’s relationship with his girlfriend. Jesus outlines the importance of bonding in “deepening love” rather than just physical attraction in the quest for lifelong relationships. God wants to be involved in ALL areas of our life. Including our love life. One day when Robert came home, he found Jesus waiting at the front door. Jesus had a different look in His eye this time. Jesus tells Robert there is an odor in the house, and that He feels it is something dead and rotting in the hall closet. Robert knew immediately what it was. He recalled he had a few rotting, leftover things from his past. Though from the past, Robert was not quite ready to let them go, so he hid them away in the hall closet. Jesus stood outside the hall door, stating He knew something rotting was in there. Robert was angry with this. He had given Jesus access to all other rooms, but Jesus was obsessed with the small hall closet. Robert decides he is not going to give Jesus access with the key. Jesus, reading his thoughts, tells him he will not stay on the second floor with the rotting smell and will move out to the back porch or somewhere else. Jesus starts down the stairs. At this point, Robert states, one of the worse things he ever felt was seeing Jesus withdraw. Robert tells Jesus He can have the key and open it, but the closet will need to be cleaned out. Jesus tells Robert He is very much aware Robert doesn’t have the strength alone to do it. He tells Robert He only needs permission to enter. Robert hands over the key, and Jesus enters the closet and cleaned it. A fresh breeze blew through the entire house, and Robert states in his booklet the entire atmosphere everywhere changed. He felt relief and release sweep over him. Robert reminds us that no matter what we keep in that closet, Jesus will forgive, forget and heal. Robert then recognizes his own failure at trying to maintain this home on his own. Robert then asks Jesus to manage his heart’s home. Jesus is elated at the idea and states He would love to do so, but there is a condition. Jesus goes on to say that He is not the owner of the home ― only a guest. Jesus states he has no authority to overtake the home since it is not His. It suddenly becomes clear to Robert that he has been doing this backwards. Robert felt he was the owner of the home, and Jesus only the guest. Robert then declares he wants to be the servant in the home, while making Jesus the owner. Robert then signs over the deed to the house and presents it to Jesus. Robert states once he handed over the deed, a great peace settled upon him and remains still to this day. We are merely renting our earthly homes. They offer nothing permanent or eternal. Our heart’s home serves as a temple for the Holy Spirit. Eternally. Where we place our treasures there our heart will be! If our heart is on Jesus, then that is where our treasures lie. Not on earthly belongings that fade away. God’s Word tells us Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us. On the cross He referred to this home as paradise. The mortgage on our heavenly home has been paid . It was a great asking price but nonetheless, paid in full. Jesus will make a great entrance into any heart that will welcome Him. Yes, there is no place like home; and that home is not here. I remember something a hospice nurse once told me. I was distraught during my Mother’s last few days when she would whisper over and over, “I want to go home. I want to go home.” She was unable to make the transport home, per the doctors; and doing so would cause her more distress, they said, than she was enduring already. It was best to keep her comfortable with family at her side with a private room in a facility. She truly had a beautiful room. Large windows looking into the treetops. Always a lovely breeze. Beautifully decorated. Soft music. Family present … but … it wasn’t home. I was feeling guilty that I couldn’t get her home. To her earthly home per her last request. The nurse said something that left me stunned, yet in tears, as I now understood fully. “Janet,” she said, “why on earth do you think your Mother is referring at all to her earthly home and not her heavenly home? Your Mother wants to go … HOME! Her forever home.” Ahhhh, yes. There is no place like home. Amen. janet