My Heart, Christ’s Home
Discipling Youth Leaders
My Heart-Christ’s Home is a phenomenal piece of literature. Written by Robert Boyd Munger, it is a piece of literature that changes how readers think about their relationship with the Lord.
I am currently reviewing this book with a youth ministry mentee at the request of our youth minister. He desires that the teenagers we refer to as youth leaders progress from being excited to serve at church to developing a strong, personal relationship with God. This realization compels me to write a review of My Heart, Christ’s Home.
Here, I’ll introduce you to the author and explain his purpose for writing the book. Then, I’ll summarize and critique the text, reveal how it convicts me, and offer a concluding prayer for all readers.
Summarizing the Text
Who is Robert Boyd Munger?
Robert Boyd Munger was born in Santa Cruz, California, on July 28, 1910. He graduated from UC Berkeley and Princeton Theological Seminary.
He was an ordained minister in the United Presbyterian Church and shepherded three separate churches during his thirty-three-year pastoral career.
While pastoring for over three decades is impressive, Munger used his vocation to the fullest extent. He was an evangelism and church renewal professor at Fuller Theological Seminary.
In this role, he proved to be a selfless leader invested in his scholars’ personal and spiritual growth. Rod Denton testifies about Munger’s willingness to disciple him and praises his teachability.
He was unafraid to admit his need for a greater infilling of the Holy Spirit and allowed Rod to pray for him.
In addition to being a mentor who was humble and teachable, Munger was also an author. He wrote over fifty books, including
- Leading from the Heart.
- Man of His Word.
- My Heart, Christ’s Home.
- New Life to Live.
- What Jesus Said.
Munger used his books to introduce readers to key biblical concepts and strategically confront issues plaguing Christians.
My Heart, Christ’s Home has become so life-changing that believers are reading it aloud to their congregations today. Enjoy this reading by Glen Galbraith from Bethel Evangelical Church.
Munger also boldly exposed how America exploits materialism through his missionary work overseas. He believed America’s lack of zeal toward spreading the Gospel hinders the world from becoming a better place.
Munger’s place in history can’t be defined solely by his vocation. He was married to Edith Borkgen and is the father of two daughters, Monica and Marilyn. He was also the grandfather of two grandchildren. Munger took his eternal rest with his Heavenly Father and Savior on February 16, 2001, at the age of 90.
Reviewing “My Heart, Christ’s Home”
Robert Munger’s legacy will forever be tied to “My Heart, Christ’s Home.” Written in 1951 as a sermon, his message continues to reach millions of ears throughout several generations.
In fact, over 10 million copies have been sold since it was first published. The inspiration behind Munger’s work comes from John 14:23 and Revelation 3:20 as he uses a house as a symbol for his heart.
Throughout the story, he highlights the difference between before and after allowing Christ to dwell in his home. A loving Savior has brought warmth into a once dark and empty space.
Unfortunately, the initial excitement turns into embarrassment as Munger grants Jesus access to rooms in his home, like the living room, dining area, and hall closet. Embarrassment comes as he realizes making Jesus Christ comfortable in his home requires making changes that prove he lives there.
As a young college student at the time, this meant Munger had to accept that sex is only permissible in marriage. Proverbs 5:16-18 supports this as Solomon encourages men to save sex for the wife of their youth.
Paul also suggests the Holy Spirit can’t reside in impure temples. Then, warns readers when mentioning how those who refuse to repent from sexual immorality won’t inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Unwilling to forfeit the privilege of entering the Kingdom of Heaven, Munger wisely transfers the house title (his heart) to Christ.
Similarly, Munger compels readers to fully surrender control of their lives to God and obey him. The first step to surrendering to God is answering as Christ gently knocks on the door of your heart.
Imperfections in My Heart?
Examining My Heart
Conviction knocks at the door of my heart after reading Munger’s book in three ways. First, he reminds me that spending time with God isn’t about fulfilling an obligation to pray and study scripture.
Instead, quiet time is the space within the day to commune with a loving creator who yearns to draw close to his creation. This is a privilege I’ve forgotten in an attempt to please God, through the rushed work of spiritual disciplines, before moving on with my day. Lord, forgive me for my hasty and lackadaisical approach to our time together.
In addition to convicting me about my approach to quiet time, My Heart, Christ’s Home also exposes one of my greatest sin struggles. He does this when mentioning how sex is a gift to be enjoyed in marriage. I failed in this area far more than I care to admit. However, for me, it’s not simply sex but lustful thoughts, perverse jokes, and adult content that have become an idol. How can Christ be at home in my heart if it smells like the stench of sexual immorality?
After all, Paul says not even a hint of sexual immorality should be named among believers. By God’s mercy, an accountability partner and The Freedom Fight are helping me evict this unwanted guest from my home. Pray that I will use wisdom and discretion in future articles to bring the darkness of sexual immorality to light.
Lastly, My Heart, Christ’s Home reminds me that Christ can’t dwell comfortably within me if I don’t give him full control. How can I claim to be committed to Christ if he doesn’t have every part of me? I’m striving to live a life that shows I truly belong to him.
Constructive Criticism?
This book does a great job of making me examine my heart to ensure my life shows I belong to Christ. The book also does a great job of encouraging readers to invite Christ into their hearts.
With that said, I must offer one critique. I wish Munger had used more direct scripture references when describing each room in the house.
For example, when talking about the library of the mind, he could have mentioned Romans 12:1-2. Additionally, when transferring the house title, he could have referenced Colossians 3:12-17, which talks about living a new life in Christ.
Direct scripture references would have been beneficial for new converts who are learning to study the Bible. It could help them read passages related to issues they struggle with as new Christians.
For more mature Christians, quoting scripture can remind them how they are supposed to live as God’s children.
A Closing Prayer
Drawing My Heart (and Yours) Closer to God
As your children, Lord, I pray we would seek to draw closer to you. When you knock on the door of our hearts, soften them so we’ll answer with reverence and enthusiasm.
Teach us your ways so we may walk in your truth and unite our hearts to you so that we may fear your name (Psalms 86:11, New King James Version). Lord, abide in our hearts and help us to become the people you desire. Set our hearts ablaze as we surrender to you and commit ourselves to fulfilling your will.
Lord, our lives are yours, so we invite you into the home of our hearts. Have your way, make whatever changes you desire, so we can be a dwelling place for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit.
Forgive us for the sins we commit that grieve the Holy Spirit. Transform us so we can be pure and Holy before you. Take full control as we surrender our all to you.
Thank you for being a good God who desires an intimate relationship with us. Thank you for the promise that you’ll come close to us as we draw near to you in truth.
Please hold our hands and hearts, so we can follow you as your disciples from this moment forth. Not turning back but pressing toward the mark until we’re with you for eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Does this review compel you to read “My Heart, Christ’s Home?” What changes do you need to make Christ feel more welcomed?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below. All feedback is greatly appreciated!
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