Rev. A.J. Ogden

When special guests come to our home, we have many little traditional niceties we almost always repeat. We generally say to them, “Make yourself at home here.” We want you to be comfortable at our house I know, because I do that myself. My guests need to feel welcome. All of this hospitality is fine and in order, because we love them.

But there are some things we do not mean when we say, “Make yourself at home.” We don’t mean that they can stay forever. We don’t mean that they are free to open all your dresser drawers and read all your papers and mail; they are personal. We don’t mean they can walk in and out with mud on their feet. We are not saying they can go to our study and read all our personal things. It’s almost like we told a lie when we say, “Make yourself at home.” Some things are very personal in our lives and we need some privacy.

There is One however that we do not need to shut out and his name is Jesus! I wonder, Christian, if he feels at home in your life? At the moment of conversion the Holy Spirit moves into your heart to remain as long as you live. He must be free to all parts, all rooms, all crevices, and every little nick and corner of your heart. You must say, “Lord read my mail, investigate my motives, see if there be any wicked way in me! Welcome Lord, know my heart today and always.” He does know it. He must have access to your whole house at all times.

Paul said in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Jesus wants to be your constant companion, friend, and helper. To visit Him at church once a week seems to be all some people want, but He is not to be left there, but go with us to rule over us all the week. That is not slavery, that is real freedom and joy!