In the days when Queen Victoria ruled England, she made a habit of visiting the humble homes of her subjects. She enjoyed the brief Christian fellowship and company of her people. On one occasion, she visited an elderly woman in a nearby village. The woman was recognized in her community for being a very godly person who reflected the love of Jesus wherever she went. She always talked about Jesus and never neglected an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others.
Following her visit with the queen, some of her more worldly neighbors in the village began taunting and ridiculing her. One neighbor asked, “So granny who’s the most honored guest you’ve ever entertained in your home?” The old woman responded, “Why that would be the queen!” The neighbor was genuinely surprised at her response. He had expected her to say Jesus! When asked why she did not say Jesus, the old woman said, “Because Jesus is not a guest in my home. He lives here!”
This story begs the question, Is Jesus just a guest in your house, or does he live with you at home in your day-to-day life? Too often we go to church on Sunday and say all the right things, we volunteer to serve and go through all the motions, and then return home and live as if we didn’t even know Jesus. It’s no wonder the world often sees us as hypocrites. It’s not enough to just identify with the idea of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we are all called to live lives reflective of God’s character and the new lives we have been given in Him.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
(1 Peter 1:14-16)