One Sunday last year, I was sitting in a class when the teacher asked why we might hold back when it comes to the Savior—if He knocks at the door, why might we not fully welcome him into our lives?
For me, the answer was along these lines: My reluctance would probably come from a fear that Jesus would come in and immediately tell me all the things I need to change about my house.
From that one thought was born the Parable of the Interior Designer.
A couple, Kellie and Jack, like their home’s interior the way it is, but then Gregory, an old friend of Kellie, comes on the scene. Jack is immediately defensive, but Kellie is more open. Gregory compliments them on their living space; however, over time, he recommends changes increasing in difficulty. Jack and Kellie represent different ways we can react to the Savior’s suggestions for alterations to our habits and behavior.
For anyone familiar with the New Testament, this scenario may evoke the Lord’s statement in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” If we’re feeling insecure or vulnerable, we may suppose that letting Him in to dine includes tacit permission for Him to pass judgment or give advice on our cooking.
By personal experience, however, I’ve learned that the Lord knows where we are and what we’re capable of. We always need repentance, and often we’re capable of just a little bit of change at a time. At least for me, large scale changes aren’t sustainable. He has been very patient with me—much more so than I feel I deserve. I’ve deserved the criticism and correction, but instead the Lord sends his Spirit to change my heart and desires, and therefore my behavior, over time.
One of my favorite aspects of the parable is the fact that Gregory completes the series of changes by bringing a beautiful piece of art to give focus to the room. That had been his plan all along. Sure, he could have provided a 3D rendering of the final product, but that may have been too intimidating or too big a change for the couple to contemplate, and no progress would have been made.
Jesus knows what the end product looks like, and if we let Him work changes in our lives—if we have the courage to follow His directions—we’ll turn out more beautiful than we can grasp now and have to acknowledge that though we may not have wanted to make the changes at first, they were worthwhile. We’ll feel at home in the place He has prepared for us.
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The Weekly Parable 