Thursday, October 04, 2007

Am I hospitable?

Today at my local MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) meeting, an older mother spoke to our group about the difference between hospitality and entertaining. She reminded us right off the bat that entertaining others has its root in PRIDE. I want them to think I'm a good cook, or that my house is always clean or decorated beautifully, or that I have it all together. When what the Lord really wants for us is to serve others in love. Is the focus on others or on myself?

I really appreciated the timeliness of her message. Tonight Dave is teaching his first (Lord willing) evangelistic Bible study in our home, and so we will be opening our home to people who are virtually strangers to us. I was tempted last night to clean like crazy, but the Lord graciously reminded me that these people are coming to hear HIS WORD, not check under my beds. :) So what if the carpet has a few stains...hopefully it will help them feel more at home here.

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9


Lord, help us to cheerfully open our doors and offer all that we have, because it is Yours anyway.

"distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." Romans 12:13


Lord, make it the habit of our lives, our natural bent, to serve others and welcome them into our lives. Help those who enter into our home tonight to feel comfortable here, wanted here, accepted here. Take away distractions and use this place to open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel.

Pray for Dave and Jeff tonight, and pray that those who have been invited will come!

10 comments:

Kari said...

Rachel, that has really been on my heart lately. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. I truly hope to be a better host one day. I tend to get stressed about everything being perfect.

Eryn said...

that is so me! i fear i am a martha more than a mary, but my heart longs to be a mary. thank you rachel for the reminder of being hospitable rather than the enterainer.

Kelly said...

Thanks for the clear picture of the difference between being hospitable and being an entertainer. What a good reminder! Your timing is impeccable as I'm having some gals over on Sunday evening and was doing what we all seem to do...stressing over making everything "perfect" when what I need to focus on is how I can better serve the people, not how I can better clean my home, or make the table or spruce up the chili...you get the idea! :-)

Scott Degroff was at chapel last night and told us about the study at your home. I've been praying and will continue to do so throughout the evening that the hearts of those who come will be drawn to the beauty of our Savior!

Michelle said...

I was just thinking today how I will probably never get to the point where I feel like my house is totally in order like some ladies' houses. But really that shouldn't stop me from having people over. Thanks

Lynn said...

I heartily agree! I always feel SO much more comfortable in a home that feels lived in rather than like a perfect museum!!!

bandanachick said...

Good thoughts Rachel! I would have to confess that I struggle with the same things. Too much "Martha" in me, to little "Mary". I way to often miss what being hospitable is all about.

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