From The Dining Room We Walked Into The Living ...

“From the dining room we walked into the living room. This room was intimate and comfortable. I liked it. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a sofa, and a quiet atmosphere.

He said, ‘This is indeed a delightful room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet, and we can fellowship together.’

Well, as a young Christian I was thrilled. I couldn’t think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes with Christ in close companionship.

“He promised, ‘I will be here early every morning. Meet me here, and we will start the day together.’

“So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the living room. He would take a book of the Bible from the case. We would open it and read together. He would unfold to me the wonder of God’s saving truths. My heart sang as He shared the love and the grace He had toward me. These were wonderful times.

“However, little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened. Why, I’m not sure. I thought I was too busy to spend regular time with Christ. This was not intentional, you understand. It just happened that way.

“Finally, not only was the time shortened, but I began to miss days now and then. Urgent matters would crowd out the quiet times of conversation with Jesus.

“I remember one morning rushing downstairs, eager to be on my way. I passed the living room and noticed that the door was open.

“Looking in, I saw a fire in the fireplace and Jesus was sitting there. Suddenly in dismay I thought to myself, ‘He is my guest. I invited Him into my heart! He has come as my Savior and Friend, and yet I am neglecting Him.’

“I stopped, turned and hesitantly went in. With downcast glance, I said, ‘Master, forgive me. Have You been here all these mornings?

“‘Yes,’ He said, ‘I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you.

“‘Remember, I love you. I have redeemed you at great cost. I value your fellowship. Even if you cannot keep the quiet time for your own sake, do it for mine.’

“The truth that Christ desires my companionship, that He wants me to be with Him and waits for me, has done more to transform my quiet time with God than any other single fact. Don’t let Christ wait alone in the living room of your heart, but every day find time when, with your Bible and in prayer, you may be together with Him.” (Robert Boyd Munger, My Heart Christ’s Home, InterVarsity Press)