During one holiday visit to family several years ago a backed up toilet caused us to make a change in plans. Rather than stay with relatives we called our friends and asked if we could spend the night. Even though we were unexpected our friends were welcoming and opened their house to us.
It was more than the fact that they had a spare bedroom. It was more than the fact that they had sufficient space that we could all find someplace to sleep. It was because we had a relationship, a connection, that made us welcome in their home.
In John’s account of the Last Supper Jesus gives some final teaching to his disciples. What does Jesus say about how we should love him? If we love Jesus, how will God, the Father, respond?
It’s a simple matter to call yourself a “Christian” and claim you believe in Jesus. It is a simple matter to attend worship several times a month. But all of these are just superficial and external signs of who we are supposed to be.
We can be the most devoted person when it comes to church attendance. We can be the biggest giver at our church. We can carry the biggest Bible and have a fish magnet on the back of our car. But if we do not have a real relationship with the Lord it is all for show.
What does it mean to have a relationship with the Lord? Just as Jesus says, it begins by obeying the teachings of Jesus. And these are not the easiest teachings to follow. We have to love everyone, even our enemies, as much as we love ourselves. We must be willing to give up our own pleasures and desires so that others, even people we don’t like, have what they need.
Once all of this becomes a part of who we are then we will truly experience the love that God has for us. And then the relationship will grow stronger and deeper. God will come and make His home in our hearts.
That is a true relationship with the Lord, showing God’s love and having God become part of how you think and feel and act. A true relationship with Jesus involves allowing Christ and our heavenly Father to come make a home in your heart.
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you invite God to make a home in your heart?
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