more on hospitality

After the ultra long post yesterday concerning hospitality, I realized that I didn't even get to share all that I feel like I've been learning about this topic as of late. As I have been reading this book, Practicing Hospitality, automatically my eyes have shifted to observe hospitality within the context of my existence. I began to identify actual hospitality lived out by godly people, seeing so clearly how a high view of others translates into meeting others needs within the context of the home. But I also became aware of a pseudo-hospitality, masked by externally appealing elements but lacking a right perspective of God, others, and service.


It seems that so often the term hospitality corresponds with obligation; whether or not that is openly addressed or suppressed is a different issue. People can easily feel like they should be hospitable, and unfortunately this attitude creates a feeling of unwelcome and discomfort for the guests.


But true hospitality is not measured in appearance or quality of goods; it is clearly apparent when people are welcomed and served by a heart of love and genuine concern that can only be the result of knowing an awesome God. As we think about ways in which we can be hospitable people, let's begin by thanking God for all that He has blessed us with, most importantly salvation. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24-25)


We must first grasp that salvation is a gift, not something we deserve or earned. As this makes more sense, we see the extreme humility of Christ... a humility that rightfully silences us as we ponder just how much He loves those He died for. Since Scripture assures us that we are being sanctified and grown in the likeness of Christ, then we can actively pursue this perfect humility knowing that God is transforming our hearts and bringing us closer to Him. Herein lies the heart behind any Christian action, that it is God working in us to accomplish His good works, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Only then can we attempt to encompass the heart of hospitality that Scripture calls us to.


God,

I want to be more than just a good hostess. I want to be a hospitable person, regardless of external circumstances. I want to truthfully consider others as more important than myself, and find joy in serving others. Help me to fight the overwhelming desire to be selfish with what you have given me and to view my life from your perspective. Thank you for your Son and His incredible sacrifice.

In Him.