Lydia and hospitality

Today,  I read about Lydia. She accepted Christ, then her whole family accepted Christ,  and she convinced Paul to stay at her house if he believed she was a true believer.  So, he did.  She was a maker of purple cloth.  Over the years I have heard several pastors indicate that purple cloth was sought after in those days.  So,  she may,  or may not,  have been fairly wealthy.

However, no matter her wealth, today's devotion is about her hospitality.  She didn't wait to clean her house, or fix things up,  or create a theme. She simply invited Paul and Silas to stay with her.

Today,  we are all about "entertaining." Having a theme,  making sure everything is perfect,  ensuring everything is spotless, ensuring our house is what we think it should be for others to appreciate...maybe even envy?

The opposite always happens.  Our house is not clean, not perfect, maybe we don't have a theme,  it isn't the envy of our neighbors or friends.  So,  we avoid entertaining.

Well, two points here.  One, it is not about entertaining.  It is about hospitality.  Look it up in the Bible.  It says to be hospitable.  It doesn't say there has to be a theme (although there can be), it doesn't have to be planned,  your house doesn't have to be perfect. No,  you just have to invite people over and be in the "here and now" with them.

Second point,  forget about your pride about your house.  God gave you what you have.  He made you who you are. Use your house to be hospitable. If someone doesn't like it,  it is their heart God has to deal with. You are supposed to be hospitable.  A perfect house or decorations is not in the Bible!!!

Someone also pointed out that hospitality doesn't just happen in your home. You could meet people at a coffee shop, go to their house, etc. Hospitality is about relationships and sharing the Good News. It is not about houses,  cleaning,  themes,  or keeping up with the Jones's.

Father,  thank you for this devotion today. Please help us to keep our eyes open for opportunities to be hospitable.  Please help us to share about saving grace in a clear way today!  Amen