Recently I have been cleaning up and getting rid of items in our home and sheds that I no longer want or need. I’ve discovered it helps to have a vision and to see what I actually want in my life going forward. But one thing I’ve found is that some things don’t belong or go together. Much like some of our pursuits, possessions and acquaintances don’t belong together either!
It’s our choice. But when we take the time to clean out our living spaces and lives in general it’s helpful to take everything “out on the back lawn” so to speak. Then we decide prayerfully and thoughtfully about what and who is going to come with us going forward, and what’s to be given pride of place. Who’s going to get through the door again, where would we benefit from making room for the new,and how can we deepen and improve what we already have?
Making Jesus someone who belongs in our life is also a choice. However He doesn’t push His way in; He knocks and then waits to be invited into every part of who we are. We can ignore His knocking or we can open the door and let Him in. (Revelation 3:20). But we do need to understand that when He comes in, there are some things that won’t gel with who He is, teaches, says, acts and what He asks of us.
To put it simply there are some things that don’t go together with having Jesus in our lives.
Jesus promised He will never leave us or forsake us, but we can forsake Him and purposely put Him in the corner, out of our conscious thought and engagement. We can ignore His voice and/or any conversation He may be trying to have with us. He won’t leave, but we can grieve Him by our behaviour, our actions and who and whatever else we welcome and facilitate in our lives.
We need to understand that some things simply don’t belong or go together. There are going to be behaviours and perhaps even people we associate with that are not going to gel or even respect Jesus’ presence in our life. The question is, who and what do we want most in our life? Is it Jesus being the centre of every room and area of our life? Or do we want certain habits, mindsets, belief systems, relationships, hidden addictions, and just “other stuff” to be made to feel more comfortable and welcome in our lives than Jesus?
We get to choose who and what goes and grows together! But when those things include and centre around Jesus, He promises us that He will hold everything all together. For “In Him all things are created, and in Him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16-17)
Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 13:16)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 3:6)
Prayer: Lord please help me to be honest about what is in my life. Help me to recognise and acknowledge who and what doesn’t go together, and to understand that if I invite you into my life I need to make you welcome and at the centre of every space, room and area of my life. I want you to go together with who I am. In Jesus name Amen.
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