Previous | Next 

Visitor or Lord?

Richard Maffeo

The last thing I wanted to hear that morning was the doorbell. But there it was, demanding my attention. I broke away from the keyboard and went to the door.

“Good morning,” the young man said from behind a broad, plastic smile. “I’m visiting people in this area to offer a new and exclusive. . . . ”

I don’t remember what he was trying to sell me. I only remember trying to hide my annoyance behind an equally plastic smile. As he continued his sales pitch, my mind raced back to my computer, where I had been madly tap-tapping out one of several reports due that week. I listened politely until he paused to breathe, at which point I told him I was not interested, closed the door and returned to my keyboard.

Like most people, I am particular about whom I invite into my home. Some, like the salesman, don’t get beyond the front door. Others, such as delivery people, get as far as the foyer while I sign for a delivery. Friends, on the other hand, are invited into the living room. They even have access to my refrigerator. However, the circle becomes quite small when I consider how many people have permission to roam my house at will or to look through my clothes closets and drawers. The circle closes at my chequebook. No friend has access to that.

I hate to admit it, but sometimes I treat Jesus the same way I treat those who come to my door. There are times when I frantically tap-tap-tap on my life’s keyboard, grinding toward the completion of something I think is of historic importance – when the doorbell rings. And there is Jesus, standing outside my heart, saying something about quietness and peace. But I am so preoccupied with returning to my “busyness” that I don’t listen. With a polite smile, I close the door, leaving Him outside.

Then there are times when I permit Him as far as the foyer – especially when He brings with Him the answer to a particular prayer request – for a few moments while I accept delivery, thank Him and send Him on His way.

At other times, He gets as far as the living room, where we chit-chat for a while. I tell Him how great a friend He is and mention, oh, by the way, Lord, I sure would appreciate it if You would do this, that and the other thing for me. He, on the other hand, attempts to move our conversation toward awkward subjects such as attitudes, philosophies and desires. During those times, I usually change the subject.

How often do I permit Jesus to be Lord over my “entire” heart? How often do I permit Him full access to the closets and drawers in my life where a multitude of sins, rebellions, self-justifications and deceptions lie hidden? When do I permit Him complete control over my chequebook and finances?

Someone has said: If Jesus is not Lord of everything, then He is not Lord at all.

Richard Maffeo is a freelance writer from San Diego, Calif.

Previous | Next 

Last modified January 30, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.