This is Part 3 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In this part, Pastor Zac tells us what it takes to have a heart for the house. Through Jesus' parable of the Great Banquet, we learn how to stop making excuses and bring others to the party.

A Heart for the House Makes No Excuses

The first lesson we pull from the parable is that many people make excuses which get in the way of their heart for the house. Here are some excuses we see from people in the parable:

"I've got too many things going on." Some people have made many commitments, prioritizing them over the needs of God's house. Ask yourself if you have made too many commitments and let them get in the way of serving God and your church family.

"I'm too busy with work." Often, we let work dominate our lives. While it is important to ensure that your family is provided for, don't let your work fill your life too full. Leave room for yourself to do God's work too.

"I've got too many family commitments." Family is important, but if we are to best serve our families, we must maintain godly priorities. Further, training your family in the importance of serving the Lord is essential to their spiritual growth. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." -Joshua 24:15.

A Heart for the House Never Comes Alone

The second lesson we pull from the parable is that God's servants don't come to the banquet alone. It is our responsibility and our duty to invite others, bringing them with us into the house of God. As the parable says, we must go out into the countryside and bring in anyone we can find so that God's house will be full. It is God's ardent desire that his house be filled, and he has tasked us with that mission. Let us invite everyone we can so that we complete the command God has given us!