Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away its spots? [Can a tiger change it’s stripes?] Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil.
Many believe that in order for us to let Jesus into our homes and lives we need to clean things up and make room for Him because if there isn’t any room how can we let Him in? In the pictures of Jesus knocking at the heart's door, most often there isn't a doorknob on the outside, but I would like to modify this illustration. Think of yourself in a room that has a door that swings out, and this door has a voice activated lock. The door is currently locked, and Jesus is outside knocking. The problem is that our room is so full of junk and miscellaneous stuff that we cannot even get to the door to open it. We WANT to let Him in, we WANT His help, but what do we do?
The answer is found in Matthew 14:22-32. Peter cried out for help when he began to sink, and that’s the answer. Just cry out for help, and immediately our door will unlock. And because the door is now unlocked Jesus will come in and begin the cleaning process.
Keep in mind that this is a process. It will most likely take some time, especially if we don't cooperate with Him. We might argue about some of the things He wants to clean out of our “room” because there may be things that we don’t think we can live without.
We might even tell Him to “get out”, but He knows our heart's desires, and He knows if we REALLY want Him to leave or not. Like any real friend would do though, if we REALLY want Him to leave then He will. He will never force Himself on us, but if we don’t tell Him to leave then He will finish the task He wants to do.
And once our heart-house is clean and tidy then He will make lunch for us and then sit down with us and eat a relaxing meal like one friend eats with another.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
