| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 15 |
Page 8 |
If Jesus were our guest, there would be true religion in our home. That is not saying that our family life would be gloomy, silent, and joyless. It does not mean that all the time would be spent in praying and reading the Bible. There would be merry laughter and happy song. They misrepresent the religion of Christ who would have us think of it as cheerless and severe. It is full of joy. It represses nothing that is beautiful and good. It forbids no pure pleasure. It casts restraint upon no right spirit. Perhaps we do things now that we would not do if Jesus were living with us; but, if so, these are not things we should keep in our home life. No doubt His presence as a guest would greatly add to the gladness and mirth of many a home which now lacks these very qualities, and is too sober and serious in its life.
No one needs to be reminded that this dream of Jesus as guest in not mere fancy. He is a guest in every Christian home. When we accepted the Gospel Jesus came into our house to live with us. He has never gone away unless we have thrust Him out. He is living continually in each home of ours, and we should shape all our home life so that it will please Him. Jesus in a home sweetens all its life so that benedictions pour out from its doors and windows to bless the whole world. Then–
“Each sweet and secret thing within
Gives out a fragrance on the air,–
A thankful breath sent forth to win
A little smile from other’s care.”
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