I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17
Jesus lives in my heart. The Spirit dwells within me. This is interesting terminology and gives us one perspective of our relationship with God and His work within us. But words matter and I want to explore what is behind their meaning and where we might clarify them for our spiritual journey.
The heart is a symbol of our will and desires. It is what motivates us, encompasses what we hold dear, and is the spring of our emotions. To say that Jesus lives in my heart infers that it is He that rules over our will and desires. It is He we treasure above all else. He becomes the center of our passions.
I think that we sometimes inadvertently misrepresent the invitation to ask Jesus into our heart. We might use this language evangelistically, though the Bible never does. It’s as if we are allowing Jesus to be a part of our life and can seem we are letting Him along for the ride. He’s a handy co-pilot who can help get us out of jams and maybe even navigate the road. But if Christ dwells in my heart, then He is not a visitor, He is Owner.
The reality is, Jesus isn’t offering to join us in our life. He is inviting us to join Him in His. He says to repent and follow Him. Receiving Him into our life doesn’t make Him the companion, it makes Him Lord. That is the offer.
Jesus has invited me, and you, into HIS life. He has knocked and I have responded. My life is now His. My heart is now His. There is nothing of mine left but to follow Him, even when I resist. Lord, let me follow truly.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
