viewoutsidethepew

It came to me that people wondering about God might be compared to someone looking for an apartment.

Historic Palmer Park Apartment, Detroit

They enter the model flat and look at the photos and descriptions in the rental paper or ads. They usually talk with friends or check the internet for opinions on what apartment (or options) would prove good and with the best price or quality record. Indeed, the shopper will likely test one or more apartments by visiting at open houses to assess which one suits best.

Religious people would do all these things, metaphorically. They visit congregations, they read books or blogs about that denomination or congregation. They might ask friends if they have information or an opinion about what group to join. They might even attend for awhile to judge whether the group meets the standards by which the “shopper” will determine whether to buy into it or not.

Of course, the rental agent brings up all the reasons one should rent here (and not somewhere else). This includes things like the service facilities, track record of the architect and builder and the social implications of joining here rather than there. And some people agree and stay there, comparing addresses and buying into the quality of the company and location and advertising.

But they never sign the lease and never move in with the real Owner and Host.

Spiritual people do both. They sign a lifetime lease, and that lasts not only for their lifetime, but for all eternity, too.

Skeptics want to know why spiritual people think that address is the best, but they answer, “The history or showroom don’t matter, just get an apartment and move right in. The Maker gets the credit, not the renter, the showroom or the service staff. And the Maker makes many rooms to hold every renter who wants a lease.”

“Don’t be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring you into my presence so that you will be where I am” (John 14:1-3 God’s Word).