I'll be the very first to admit that I am not very hospitable. At least, not biblically speaking. I worry about what people think about the home, if they'll like the food, etc. I want to impress them with MYSELF instead of impressing them with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was even more convicted about it this afternoon as I read an article entitled Not Just Good-Housekeeping: A Case for Christian Hospitality. Oh boy. How do YOU stack up here? Be honest with yourself...
This article is actually part 2. Part 1 is entitled Practicing Biblical Hospitality and is wonderful, as well.
I'd love to hear from some of y'all that have battled "self" in this area and conquered it. What does true biblical hospitality look like in your home?
I was even more convicted about it this afternoon as I read an article entitled Not Just Good-Housekeeping: A Case for Christian Hospitality. Oh boy. How do YOU stack up here? Be honest with yourself...
Entertaining is fundamentally "me-focused."
It has the feel of a show and it's heart is impressing other people either visually or with a meal.
It is embarrassed if something "goes wrong" or doesn't fit the kind of reputation it is trying to project or protect.
It is essentially prideful and hopes to be repaid.
It carries an air of formality that prohibits spiritual intimacy and fellowship.
It tends not to associate with the "lowly."
Biblical hospitality is humble.
It attempts to make people feel comfortable; creating an atmosphere where people can be themselves, fellowship together, and where ministry can take place.
It doesn't seek to hide areas of weakness or flaws - these are assumed.
It recognizes that the importance of any other person rests in their having been made in the image of God, not their social status.
It is servanthood that desires God to receive glory by time spent with others.
It is open to the needy and doesn't seek repayment.
It points unbelievers and those who are weak toward the Gospel.
This article is actually part 2. Part 1 is entitled Practicing Biblical Hospitality and is wonderful, as well.
I'd love to hear from some of y'all that have battled "self" in this area and conquered it. What does true biblical hospitality look like in your home?