%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%>
Does Jesus Live at Your
House?
A Bible class teacher had told her five year olds that Jesus was not simply
a man who lived hundreds of years ago, but that He is alive and well today.
One of her more enthusiastic little boys decided that he would begin knocking
doors in his neighborhood to see if Jesus could be found. Up and down his street
he went, looking for Jesus. Knocking at each door, he would ask, "Does
Jesus live here?"
It was a good question for the surprised neighbors then, and it is a good question
for us today. Does Jesus live at your house? Would Jesus be comfortable at your
house if he came for a visit? Would you be honored to have Jesus as your guest,
or would there be too many adjustments to make?
Sadly, it is sometimes true that the perfect gentleman at the office is a tyrant
at home. The woman who is the sweetest teacher at school is the most hateful
mother on her street. The kindest of neighbors is sometimes the most unfair
spouse imaginable. When these things are true, Jesus has not been incorporated
into daily life. Jesus intended for His influence to penetrate even into our
family circle. His New Testament teaches that "husbands are to love their
wives and show no bitterness toward them" (Col 3:19). "Wives are to
love their husbands and children" (Titus 2:4). "Children are to obey
and honor their parents" (Eph 6:4).
It is tragic to see a family destroyed because the spirit of Jesus has been
excluded. Husbands and wives who constantly quarrel; Children who demonstrate
disrespect for their parents; Adults turning to alcohol, and children taking
drugs - all give evidence to the absence of Christ in someone's life. When Christ
is included (and not left at the church building) a family can enjoy each other's
company. There will be kisses, pats on the back, and forgiveness.
Is Jesus living at your house?
By Jim R. Everett
Return to the General Articles page
Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /