Do Not Disturb
I've have had the privilege to travel around the world as well as stay in some very nice hotels. One time in particular stands out as I remember I had left for the afternoon and upon returning I was confused and somewhat irritated that my room had not been cleaned. No new towels, bed still a mess, trashcan full etc.
I was ready to call the front desk and complain, but then looked down to realize I had left the "do not disturb" sign on my door. How could I have an expectation for the hotel to enter my room, clean up MY mess when I had not extended the invitation or granted permission? That little do not disturb sign was glaring evidence and a clear warning to keep out. The hotel had no problem cleaning and meeting my needs. They had plenty of fully trained capable staff ready to do the job, but ONE small sign put a halt on all the work that needed to be done.
I find that God works very similar in our lives. We check into this "hotel" called life and expect top notch service to include the rooms of our hearts and mind to be cleaned and newness to be added. This was apart of the new birth experience that was advertised in 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" But let me ask you how often do we keep the "do not disturb" sign up?!
Jesus is ALL gentleman and will never force his cleaning crew (grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, joy) to enter those rooms of your heart without invitation. Take a long hard look at the door of your heart...is there any sign preventing YOUR cleanup of the mess of your life. You never have to leave the room and return to the same mess but we have to remove any and all barriers to us being made whole and clean.