From the Home Place

So far we have allowed the Lord to work on our inside, and on removing the excess layers. Today we will focus upon how our house looks from the curb – you know, curb appeal. Jesus stated, “Live your life in such a way so that others will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.”

Each day that we have worked on this ‘ol house, there has been a regular stream of folks driving and walking by for a look. It’s like folks are excited to see what the crazy “old people” will do next. In fact yesterday we had a beautiful family stop and visit while they were out for a Sunday afternoon walk, inspecting what we are doing.

You see, when we bought this place, the front of the house (facing the street) was for the most part just a plain white wall. For sure it was lacking in curb appeal. So for a while now we have been working on changing the entire front of our house. We have added two gables to the roof line and just this last week we added a “sitting porch” with a fancy roof over it. A place where Miss Deb can sit with a cup of coffee, or cold tea, and just plain relax. A place where she can smile and wave at the folks who drive by. Maybe even get in a good visit with those who are walking by. It seems like there here is always someone passing by our place.

Here is today’s point. How our lives look to the outside world does matter. Jesus Himself said that we are to allow folks to “see” our lives from the front street. It seems to me that He is saying that we are to be mindful of what folks see when they pass by our life. Do they see just a plain white wall, or do they see a spot where we can sit, relax and enjoy each day our Heavenly Father has given us?

One thing this project has proven to me, folks are watching what we are doing. That has prompted me to be careful to wave and smile when folks pass by. I want them to know that this is a welcoming home where friendly folks live. Nope, I have no interest in trying to keep up with the Jones’. We are not changing this old house into any kind of a fancy mansion. We are just breathing new life into the old girl so she can be a place where folks see the Lord leading us though our daily life.

So, let’s ask the question: “When people pass by your life, do they see your good works?” (“Good works” according to God’s standards. They bring glory to Him and not us.) Do they see a smile and a cheerful attitude? Do they notice there is something different about you, in a good way?

Dr. Howard Hendricks once told our Pastoral Ministries class, “Gentlemen, I am of the opinion that far too many Christians look like they have been weaned on dill pickles.” Smile, laugh, be friendly, let your light shine. How people see you from the street does matter!

Letting folks have a good look with you, Neal