There have been a number of "For Sale" signs in my neighborhood over the past year and I have watched them being put up, seen "sold" or "reduced" additions attached, and watched them taken down when off the market. In talking to people who have recently sold a house, I was struck by the advice given concerning how to do this effectively. The first thing is to spruce up the outside. You know — fresh paint, flowers, and a throw rug or two. This makes an attractive look for a buyer, even though it may not really reflect the condition of the house. When you show a house, sweep up the trash and hide the dirty clothes. Answer direct questions, but do not volunteer any information that may detract from the asking price.

Some people might think that is what you need to do in order to become a Christian. Fix up the outside so it looks nice, even if the rest of you is a mess. Hide all the trash and dirty laundry. After all, you don't want anyone to know the real you. And do not volunteer any information about yourself that might detract from your image.

Why do people think this way? Jesus didn't. He reached out to the socially disenfranchised, the addicted, the unpopular, and those whose lives where a mess. He still reaches out for those who don't have it all together. He wants us just as we are. He came for sinners. He came to find the lost, give life to the dead, and heal the broken. So maybe the real estate signs of our life should be more like these.

"For Sale by Owner": Jesus calls us to let go of ourselves, our ego, and our lives so that he might own us. Completely.

"Fixer-upper": We all need Jesus to make right the things that we cannot. He is the one who can restore the brokenness of our lives.

"As Is": You do not have to have it all together to come to Jesus. In fact, you only have to know that you do not have it together.

"Hidden Value": God made you, knows you, and has great plans for you. He values you enough that He sent His only Son to this earth to bring you back to Him.

Jesus is ready for you just as you are.
If you are ready to know the Jesus who loves you just as you are, I can introduce you to him. Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org or visit our blog at www.hopeforlife.org.


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