Let the word spoken by Christ the Messiah have its home in your hearts and minds and dwell in you in all its richness… – Colossians 3:16a, Amplified Bible, AMP

We returned last night from a big Thanksgiving bash at my sister’s house. Counting adults and children, she had nearly thirty people in her home. Before everyone arrived, my sister spent several hours tidying up the place, and she did so so that everyone would feel welcome and comfortable when they showed up. Let’s be honest; filthy homes tend to scare people away. It’s kind of hard to relax when dust bunnies are flying everywhere, months-old caked-on food greets you on the couch, and the horrid smell of uncleanness permeates the house. There is something much more inviting about a home that is clean as opposed to one that is filthy, and most folks understand this instinctively.

Just like hosts and hostesses tidy up their homes to make their guests feel welcome, we should tidy up our hearts and minds so that the Word of God feels welcome. Until we do, the filth of sin will make our hearts and minds abhorrent to God’s Word, keeping it away and leaving us devoid of its fruits. If we want to enjoy the victorious Christian life – which is a life filled with heart peace no matter what our circumstances – we must clean up our hearts and minds so that God’s Word can find a welcome place there.

The homes that Christ is preparing for us in Heaven are no doubt lovely and welcoming. We, through separating ourselves from sin, ought to return the favor by making our hearts and minds welcoming for Him.