House or Home?

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  Galatians 6:14 (NIV)

For God loved the world in this way: so much that he would give up his Son, The Only One, so that everyone who trusts in him shall not be lost, but he shall have eternal life. John 3:16  (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

When I purchase a gift, I am the only one who has the right to choose whom the receiver will be.  The receiver then has the right to choose as to whether they will actually accept the gift or not.  Should they choose to do so, it is theirs, but is of little use to them if they refuse to put it to good use. A wonderful thing about God is that when He does anything, it is always huge and complete.  Nothing is left wanting.  When Jesus died to pay the penalty for the sin of the world, it wasn't a partial payment.  It was complete and completely covered the entire world.
If I met a homeless person and purchased them a house, they have no decision as to whether I make the purchase or not.  However, they then must decide as to whether they will accept the house or walk away from it.  The choice seems simple enough.  They have no home and no means of acquiring one.  I purchase one for them and offer it to them with great joy and enthusiasm.  It seems they should be thrilled and simply receive the gift with a thankful heart.  However, the truth is, many would become suspicious and start seeking my motive behind doing such a thing.  Others would say I was mocking them and trying to make their lives worse by showing off my wealth and making them even more miserable in their poverty.  Still others would say that accepting such a gift would be a weakness; people should have to work for anything and everything or they simply aren't worthy of receiving it.  But there will always be those who, with thankful heart, receive the house.  Now the question becomes, "What do they do with it?"   Will they truly live in it, or simply dwell there?  If they choose to live in it, they will slowly pick out just the right pieces to furnish it and decorate it with great precision so that it's best qualities show.  They will cook and eat in the kitchen, inviting others to join in the feast.  They will sleep in the bedroom and dream dreams of what is to come.  The will play games and socialize in the livingroom, do laundry in the basement or laundry room, bathe in the bathroom, etc.  If they choose to simply dwell there, they may eat and sleep there, but that is all.  They will not concern themselves with decorating, inviting in guests, playing games or anything else that makes a simple house a real home.  The house will soon start showing signs of decay.  The lack of care and cleaning will cause it to begin to not only look bad, but stink.
Jesus died on a cross, lifted up on a hillside for all to see; a gift for the entire world.  Some look at Him and find His gift suspicious.  There must be a catch somewhere.  Others find this gift accusatory.  They believe this so-called gift is being shoved in their faces.  It is just there to try and make them feel badly about themselves and they refuse to do so.  Still others think it a weakness, that salvation is something to be earned.  However, there are those who will accept this precious gift with open arms and be thankful, for the most part.  The question is, "What will we do with it?"  Will we live in the gift or simply dwell there?
Lord, it is a simple choice You've given us, but we make it difficult.  Forgive us and help us to understand that You have only one agenda - eternal life for anyone who will accept Your free gift of salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection.  Forgive us for our ignorance and disbelief.  Forgive Your children for choosing dwelling over living.  Place in us the desire to decorate our lives so that others feel drawn to and welcome by them.  May we be homes rather than houses, filled with the greatest decor of all - that of Your Holy Spirit indwelling us because we are getting to know You better and better each day.