On The Inside

There is a house which I pass regularly on my way into town. I’ve always admired it - it’s part of an old terraced building and has two beautiful stained glass windows downstairs. The windows have very attractive curtains and on one deep window ledge there is a large, stunning china ornament which I’m certain would be very expensive to buy. Just recently a ‘For Sale’ sign appeared in the garden.

Now I have no intention in this world of moving house but I wanted to see the inside of this little gem which had come on the market and by the wonders of modern technology this was very easy to do.

What a disappointment! 

When I googled it, the first tell tale sign was the price tag. The selling price was very modest. Then, when I looked at the interior, it was very poorly furnished and was described as ‘in need of some upgrading’. It was clean and tidy but had little else to recommend it. The owner had obviously made a huge effort to keep up appearances to the outside world but inside things were so different.

I keep thinking about it. 

It is a perfect description of many lives. Looking good on the outside, but so poor on the inside. I did admire the efforts of the owner to keep up appearances to the outside world and, I don’t know the background, but maybe this was all that could be achieved. But when we think of the spiritual - and the eternal - side of things surely we don’t want to live this way? I’m not speaking of the material things that can be bought with cash, but of the quality of the life inside us - life that cannot be bought with money but comes from our walk with God. Richness, peace, security, joy and contentment - these are the things that should ‘furnish’ the inside of our beings. 

Are they ‘in need of some upgrading’ in our lives? Thank God, that can be provided  - without money and without price. Let’s upgrade the place where we are living - by walking closely with the Saviour.

Jennifer