Daily
Devotional

As the new apartment complex came into view, I slowed down to get a good look at it. I had watched its progress for several months. Trees had been cut, stumps had been cleared, and the foundation had been poured. Then walls went up and the roof went on. Now, dwellings with charming balconies stood waiting for families to come and make their homes within. I could imagine the types of people who would soon be moving in—some families, young people living with roommates, and perhaps someone new to the city. There was sure to be a variety of characters among the new residents.

Homes come in all shapes, sizes, and locations. They can be anything from a tiny hut to a large, stately mansion. Most of our homes are probably somewhere in between. Some people think that having a mountain lodge with a glorious view would be the perfect setting; others believe having a house in an upscale neighborhood with a coffee shop down the street and the latest technological devices is best. College students who have been living in dorms tend to think apartments are great, while a family of five or six would probably find it very difficult to downsize to an apartment after living in a house. Yet despite all of these preferences, the kind of dwelling we have and where it is located is not of such great importance as whether we are serving the Lord in that place. Home might be a simple cottage, but if we have dedicated it to the Lord, that is of great value in God’s eyes.

What are our homes like? Do we ever wish for lovelier gardens or more elegant furnishings? These things can be a blessing, but do they help us serve the Lord better? Are they necessary for a closer walk with God? As Christians, our whole focus should be on serving the Lord with all our hearts and doing His will. Our homes might be a jail cell, an overcrowded apartment, or a spacious country house; but if God is not at the heart of our homes, those details are unimportant. However, when we faithfully serve the Lord in that living space, even a tiny room can become the most glorious place on earth.