Who is living your house?

¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV

Who is the most important person of notoriety that has visited your home?  If they spent the night with you, where did you let them sleep?  Did you offer them one of their favorite home cooked meals?  Did you find out what dessert or coffee they enjoy drinking? For some this person(s) may have been your parent, grandparent, cousin or school friend.  Others may have never invited anyone to spend the night at your home. 

If you have had someone stay, we make adjustments so that they can feel as comfortable as possible.  We want to make sure that they feel welcome in our home.  We spend time cleaning and putting things in order so that they feel “at home” with us. We take the time to rearrange our lives, furniture and schedule for the person who is coming to visit.

In our verse today there is an important distinction in the verb tense of the word dwell that we need to understand.  The Greek word is an aorist infinitive active verb.  I know too much info that sounds Greek to you.  But, it may perhaps change your understanding of the verse.  The active aorist verb tense means that the subject will carry out the action.  In other words, CHRIST will make your heart ready for his dwelling.  It is not primarily your work to “change your heart”.  Through the power of the Spirit, Christ will come to dwell.

We need power of the Holy Spirit so that we can by faith allow Christ to make our heart ready for him.  Perhaps you feel as if your life is in disarray and not ready for such important company.  Perhaps there are sins or bondage of addiction that would be embarrassing for Christ to see.  Perhaps you might feel uncomfortable with someone so important being that close to you…what would you talk about?  Would you even acknowledge His continual presence?

The key is that the Holy Spirit will strengthen our inner man so that our faith level rises to understand that this is His doing.  He who began a good work in you will continue to make it happen until he returns.

Christ is dwelling in your heart.  The is the very seat of your conscience, your emotions, your passions, and your will.  Let him pull up a chair, drink some coffee and chat with you about life….O what a conversation that will be.