What does my house look like?

S - "Look your house is left to you desolate" Mathew 23:38

O - Jesus is addressing the crowds and the disciples and speaking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. These were the people who had the ultimate influence and power and assumed their place in heaven (possibly the most prominent place). The whole context of Chapter 23 is a litany of oppressive behaviour from the Pharisees towards the masses, while they themselves fail to live Godly inner lives. Inside, they are hypocrites! "Look your house is left to you desolate"! Jesus always looks at the inner person. These words speak of an inner desolation of character and conduct. Internally, the Pharisees were desolate - there was nothing Godly or alive in their inner beings. Outwardly their Godliness was all show. What a caution, and a reminder for our inner lives to remain committed and transformed to God.

A - I need to tend constantly to my inner life. To ensure that my character, my thoughts, my will, my love and my attitudes are being constantly shaped and enriched by God's word and the holy Spirit. I never want my inner life to become desolate.

P - Dear Jesus, help me to remain open and growing to become more and more like you. Help me to keep dying to self so that the fullness of your life can reside in me. Amen.