AT THE WELL... we'll leave the light on

Hospitality...who has time for it?
This world we live in is fast paced and some weeks we are so busy around this house that the thought of having people in our home is totally out of the question. The laundry would have to be put up. The floors would have to be mopped. Groceries would have to be bought. and the list goes on and on. Nobody has to tell us what is obvious and what is obvious is that we all have responsibilities ...LOTS of them!

We not only have obligations and responsibilities to ourselves, but to our family, to our community and to God. We must be careful that we do not get our obligations mixed up. We should be putting God first, family second, jobs third and everything else should follow in after that. In all that we do, we must be careful that we are taking all of our duties seriously, especially our duties to God.

One of the things that my husband and I have been discussing is the idea of having people over in our home for fellowship. The thought of that is really great, but when I think of what is involved to make that happen ... well let's just say I lose sight of the joy when I think of the work involved to prepare things to make it happen. After all, when it comes to responsibilities and obligations ... who is responsible for being hospitable to the new people in church?

The answer: you and me!

It is so easy to think that someone else will do it, but does someone else do it? It is so much easier to hold the person in the mirror accountable for such things. So what keeps you from offering hospitality to others? Is it time, is it the kids, is it a messy house, or is it just because you don't feel obligated to?

"Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility." - DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

Sometimes the best thing to do is just make a plan and stick to it. So with this in mind, we all pitched in around here and got the house in order and had people over last week. It was great! Creating an atmosphere for fellowship is a wonderful gift and blessing.

JEREMIAH 17:10 "I, the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

God is not so much concerned with the inside of your house or what it looks like, but more concerned with the intent of your heart. Step out and embrace the fact that God has blessed you with a home, and use it to glorify Him by offering the hand of fellowship to someone.

Now that you know our door is open, we will leave the light on for you. Come on in, we look forward to getting to know you!

Check out AT THE WELL today to visit other posts on this topic of the ministry of hospitality.