We frequently invite people over for dinner.
We love their company and enjoy hearing their life adventures. After three or four hours, they leave. On special occasions, such as family birthdays or Thanksgiving, they usually stay longer—sometimes all day—but they eventually leave by nightfall.
When our son was a senior in high school, he had a buddy who at eighteen had to leave home because his parents were divorced, and there was turmoil in the home. We invited this young man to live with us so he could at least graduate from high school before going out on his own. He became a resident in our home. We offered him a room of his own and meals. He lived in the atmosphere of our home. He had to abide by our rules and lifestyle—no alcohol, drugs, or obscene language—and he had to attend school regularly.
As God was with the children of Israel, so my husband and I are the masters of our home. We decide on the furnishings, what color to paint the rooms, and when, who, or what can come in. As masters over the house, we are also responsible for repairs, cleaning, and activities.
When we only invite Jesus into our lives as a visitor, He becomes a guest for us to enjoy for a limited time. Then, He leaves at our bidding. When Jesus is a resident, He lives in us, but is still under our lifestyle choice. He can participate with us, but we hold the keys. When we make Him Master of our lives, we give Him authority to make changes as we cooperate. He can rearrange the furniture, decide what needs to be removed, keep things clean, and even decide who or what can come in. This requires a leap of trust.
Make Jesus the Master of your life, and give Him permission to make changes in you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Marcia Vogl is the founder and director of Bethany Projects and is the author of The Path Forward. She is an ordained minister who partners with Hidden with Christ Ministries of Tustin, CA. She also ministers through personal prayer sessions, mentoring workshops, and retreats. She holds a B.A. and an M.S. in music education and has trained at Elijah House. Marcia has completed both a Master and a Doctorate of Practical Ministry degree at Wagner Leadership Institute, with a specialty in women's ministry, deliverance, and workplace ministries. Other career experiences include being a music teacher for grades K-8, a college instructor for teacher credentials candidates, a full time mom, and a document supervisor in the mortgage industry. You can follow her at http://bethanyprojects.org and https://www.facebook.com/bethanyprojects.