The Room: by Joshua Harris
May the beauty of salvation embrace you, may your need for Christ capture you, and may the power of the Cross overwhelm you. For information on the authorship of “The Room” please click here. To download PDF, click here.
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the mysterious array of black filing cabinets. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.”
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I Have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger,” “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked “Lust,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
“No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
By Joshua Harris. Orginally published in New Attitude Magazine © Copyright New Attitude 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline. To download PDF version, click here.
February 14th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Wow. That was powerful.
February 14th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
That is so great! I remember one of my brothers showing that to me several years ago. It was good to re-read it! Thank you for posting it!
February 15th, 2006 at 12:26 am
I remember that from a long time ago…Josh did a wonderful job of writing it. It was obviously inspired by God.
God Bless!
February 15th, 2006 at 2:50 am
i saw the 6-minute film version right before u posted this. maybe u guys shud include the link to that short-film of The Room.
February 15th, 2006 at 11:44 am
I remember that from elsewhere on the internet, but I don’t think it stated the author.
That is an amazing article.
February 15th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Awesome article. Just what I needed right now…
Amazing Grace!!! Amazing Love!!!
wow…thanks for re-publishing it guys!
February 15th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
Wow. That is so convicting. It makes me realize how I so often take Jesus for granted. Its such a powerful reminder of how devastating my sin is, and how wonderful His love is.
Thanks for sharing it
February 15th, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Oh, that’s so beautiful! I’ve read it before, but can always read it again! Perfect Allegory.
February 16th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
Very well done Joshua!
I remember my grandparents emailing this to us a while ago as one of those “read it and pass it on” emails.
I think your folder of “People I Have Shared the Gospel With” won’t be so unused.
Keep up the good work!
February 18th, 2006 at 7:50 pm
Wow. that was really convicting and emotional. I had goosebumps and chills as I read it, and I cried at the ending. It reminded me that I’ll have to answer for what I’ve done, and how precious Jesus’ gift is. I’m going right now to share it with some friends. That was so beautiful, thank-you for posting it!
October 4th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Well, I’m not the only one that cried. That was so good. Thank you.
October 4th, 2006 at 11:15 am
That was such an amazing post . Thank you! It reminded me freshly how I ,a sinner, am forgivin because Jesus ,who is sinless, died for me. What an amazing gift for such a sinful world.
October 4th, 2006 at 11:26 am
I read this story in I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and was amazed. I think everyone needs to read something like this everyday to be reminded of God’s wonderful loving kindness and mercy!
October 4th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
Our class read this story about a year ago, and we did follow ups on it too. I loved it. And I still love it. It’s a really great reminder for us all.
Thanks for posting it again! Excellent article.
kars;
October 4th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I’ve read this before in I Kissed Dating Goodbye (and seen the video), but it still strikes a chord whenever I read it. Many are the times it’s been forwarded in e-mails all over the country, but it still holds the same power.
October 4th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
I’ve read it before in I kissed dating goodbye and this time, like every time, I cried. I was reminded of the verse that says He was made sin for us who knew no sin. How great is God’s love,mercy, and patience!
October 4th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
It`s amazing how God works. Today I was needing to read this. Thank you, you guys were indeed used by God today!
October 4th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
I read it before in I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I was really convicted about the lack of cards for people that I have shared my faith with.
October 5th, 2006 at 7:10 am
That was a wonderful story!! Just read the article “Blogging Teens” in WORLD and thought I would check this site out for my children. So……..a part of their assignment today will be to read something on this blog! Thank you for your devotion to serve our Lord in this manner. Blessings!!
October 5th, 2006 at 8:05 am
Amazing and powerful article. What else is there to say?
October 5th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Thanks so much! I have never read this before, and find it very powerful. Thank you for reminding me of His grace.
October 5th, 2006 at 10:11 am
Ahh! I love that article. A few years ago, I heard Mr. Harris give a message and he read that. (I go to ClC.) It is so convicting. Such a good reminder. Thanks!
Josie
October 5th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
Wow…moving. I remember seeing at church (yah…nother CLC-er)…It adds a whole new dimension and perspective.
Brie
October 5th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
I remember reading this before, but it’s always a good reminder that we as Christians need to get out there and tell others about our wonderful Lord. Thanks you guys!
October 5th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Wow! It’s been a long time since I’d read that. It gets better with every reading. Pass my thanks on to Josh.
It’s wonderful to see that you guys are growing into God-glorifying young men who desire to challenge their peers to serve God with their all. It feels like a very long time since I met y’all at New Attitude ‘04 (I was in a skit with y’all–a community group thing), and it is encouraging to see that y’all have not wasted those years since.
Someday I want to be a part of the Rebelution…and once I get my certificate as an American Sign Language Interpreter I will be contacting y’all. Until then…
God bless!
October 6th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
This story not only brought tears to my eyes, but also really convicted me. It’s so true, yet 99% of the time we’re not even thinking about the fact that Jesus gave His life for every single one of our sins. Not only my sins, but the sins of every single person in this world. It’s really amazing.
Thanks Josh!
October 15th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
Just curious, did your brother really have a dream like that? Or did he just write it?
November 15th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
I admit: Most things I read I simply scan over. From the first two words I knew this was different, and I paid close attention.
It really made me think, and I was close to crying when I finished it. It really convicted me, as well.
Thanks so much!
November 25th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
I remember reading it before. It’s really good.
November 29th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Alex & Bret: Just wanted to say “Thanks” for your faithful efforts in this post and all your
doing with this website. I appreciate you two young men. Hope to see you again soon, if not at the SAICFF next year. May God richly bless you, your brother Josh, & your father Greg and your family. Keep up the great work…you are inspiring lots of us to “press on”.
Blessings in the LORD Jesus Christ,
Dennis L. Zwoenitzer & family. Psalm 37:4
January 4th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Thats good. I don’t know how many times I’v read this. Edited and none. Nothing the less, I am moved everytime. Thanks.
In Christ,
~CV~
“Faithful is my God, even when I am not.”
January 4th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
P.S.
I like the pictures. Those are new to me.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Hair Short…
yvsxwsjodgy ffuvmxdau iipynij sfhqbrosdy tvztdknarm eyzlglwzwk llpjyhwjsk…
January 29th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Very good article! What a great picture! 2Cor 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Amen!
February 7th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Amazing. I cried. I’m totally moved by this.
February 18th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
What a beautiful picture of what Jesus Christ has done for us and what a challenge.
Thank you for this post.
February 28th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Wow! That’s enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s amazing how the same story told in a new way can be so powerful.
March 3rd, 2007 at 4:45 pm
[…] […]
March 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Man I have never heard anything like that before! It’s amazing!!
March 17th, 2007 at 7:55 am
That’s enough to send anyone into a shoutin’ Hallelujah fit! God is so awesome! Thanks for posting that.
Hey, I love your site. Keep it up, guys.
1 Tim. 2:1-4
April 24th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I am so convicted by this - knowing how many many files would be in my room!!
But then as I finish reading I am so overwhelmed by JESUS’ complete love for me… O! What a blessing! I do remember seeing the video a number of years ago - and I had tears in my eyes even then :’)
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
[…] The Room Alex and Brett Harris blog about The Room: by Joshua Harris. This short story vividly captures the message behind what it meant for Jesus to die for us on the cross. […]
June 9th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
This is such an amazing story. I’ve read it before but it’s definetly worth re-reading! How many different card will I have? This really makes appreciate the increadibly grace and love of our Savior. Thanks for posting this!
~Lori
Phil 4:8
June 25th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Wow, that’s so amazing! I don’t think I’m ever going to forget this. Thank you so SO much for posting this! This is so powerfully amazing!!
September 6th, 2007 at 10:44 am
That’s awsome. It reminds me of reading C.S. Lewis. Very Convicting.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
I think I read this in one of your books… every time I read it I blink back tears… it makes me very aware that I need to be careful of what I think and do and say. Great post!
~Elisabeth J. Gruber
September 24th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
I received the story from a friend and nit was attributed to Brian Moore. I tend to be sceptical about such stories and decided to check the validity. I sent the information I gleaned back to my friend.
If we want to be disciples of Christ it behooves us to be truthful in all things. I know Christ can be glorified in spite of man’s (or Woman’s) twisted motives but the truth is alwats to be sought. We have to be careful not to get caught up in our version of the Truth. The total TRUTH rests with God alone.
We all (and that includes the most educated and pious) see through a “glass darkly, so we need to be careful of our pronouncements. It’s not at all honouring to God for so many of his servants to be twisting biblical truths to suit ther own biases.
The women’s isuue falls into that area. Are we in danger of incurring God’s wrath by continuing to keep women “in their place”. We presume all women are part of a loving union where they can support their man. To me it’s obvious that God has given gifts to men and women in equal measure. We need to consider the cultural context of the biblical passages used to limit the role of women.
Respsctfully,
Nick Unrau
October 11th, 2007 at 4:55 am
That’s stunning!! it makes me cry.its just amazing!!
Thanks be 2 JESUS 4 paying the debt i could not pay.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I love this story! I was quite surprised, though, when I heard it read once with this sort of introduction, “This story was written by a young man who died when he was 18… it was found in his locker the day after he died.”
“Gracious!” I thought, being both a bit annoyed and amused. “Considering that I’ve read things he wrote when he was older than 18, I don’t think he died at 18. (Unless, of course, I Kissed Dating Goodbye was ghost-written.
) And in fact, I don’t think he’s dead at all. I have the feeling his brothers would have mentioned it!”
But it is a great story, and I’m glad that people are hearing it, even when it is improperly attributed.
December 29th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
thats soo great. Definitely shows us all hope! Thank you!
March 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Wow. That was amazing. I loved the ending. It was so intense that I’m about to cry.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Wow….. that was very powerful.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I thought your brother was bald.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I’ve already read this multiple times and even saw it as an OI at an NCFCA tournament this year - yet it still leaves me in absolute awe of God’s unfailing love for me, a sinner, hopelessly unworthy of his love.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I love this story. It demonstrates His love for us in a unique and touching way. An amazing story.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
That was really good. It is the first time i have been on your website but i am reading your book “Do hard things” right now and it is amazing! I cant wait to hear more about you guys and keep reading your book!
June 4th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Wow… I don’t even want to know what will be in my boxes. Thanks, guys, for posting this. It really made me think, and pray. I’ve just accepted Christ at the Denver Conference, and this just amazes me. Thanks Joshua for writing such a touching story. I can’t believe how many horrible files I have. Thanks.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
ive tried before to imagine how vast a space my sins consume, but never could. i could never even realize how numerous my sins were. this is the best description ive ever come across - it put so much of my life into perspective. Thank You.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
God is SO awesome. why did He choose to shed his blood for us??? I am SO not worthy! I have so many files in my room that are not good…. but He signed all of them! We truly have an awesome God.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
wow….that was so incredibly powerful
it ran chills down me
thanks so much for sharing this
it made me realize how so many little sinful things can take over our lives and begin to crash all around us at some point and that God is there on our side and to even know what we are feeling
it’s just amazing
August 11th, 2008 at 3:47 am
i was really touched by that story……..It made me reflect on what my life is to Jesus right now…Thanks.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:22 am
THis was very compelling, and I know that every person in the world would have the same feeling because we all fall short of the glory of God.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:19 am
Thank you for this amazing illustration. It really makes you question what you have been doing all your life, what you are doing right now, and what you will be doing in the future. This is definitely one of the best blog posts I’ve read in a while.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:38 am
That is so convicting. Thank you Jesus.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:07 am
–> man that was so powerful
it makes you think about all the things you’ve done in life;
the lies, the music, everything.. and how Jesus covers it all.
but it also challenges you to think about:
when your life is over, and you stand before the King
what do you want to be known for?!
how much you fit in, the clothes you wore, the brand of shoes you rocked
or even how well you did in school?!?
no.. i want to be known as a leader who led her generation to Christ.
i want to have shared the gospel with everyone i came in contact with.
i want to have lived my life pleasing to G0d; no i cant be perfect
but i can strive to be, just as my father G0d is.
–rachel
October 14th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I cried. I listened to Joshua Harris’ book I KISSED DATING GOOD-BYE on tape and I cried. Thank you for sharing this story Joshua.
Cynthia
November 11th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
[…] I know it is old … and you might have read it or heard this before. But it is always worth reading again. I found it at the Rebelution website under this title The Room: by Joshua Harris. […]
December 1st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Wow… and to think of how willing He is to take the balme for eveything I’ve done. Thanks you so much for posting it, its something I sure would like to have an atheist read over!
Chelsey
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Wow. That was incredible. I’d never really stopped to consider that each day, history is being recorded, and I am making it. I shudder to think what the files in my “room” would have been like now had Jesus not written His name over every single one of them.
Our God IS an AWESOME God!
January 7th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Amazing. I read this awhile ago when I bought his book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” It was so powerful then. Every stupid thing I do, every sin, all of it - he took it and on that cross signed his name to each offense…..Amazing Grace….Unfailing Love…..wow…Thankyou Jesus