The Guest of Honor

There is a vast difference in the participation levels of those who gather at church services and the results are equally vast…it’s the same as if you attend a gathering at a home.

There are those who show up empty-handed – some by force, some in need, and others to enjoy, consume, and leave.

There are those who show up with a gift – a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or small gift for the host. They contribute who they are and what they have to the event. They’re engaged. They give, enjoy, consume, and leave.

There are those who show up to serve. They can’t just sit; they have to be doing and helping. They find their way to the kitchen, where they help set the table and clear the dishes. They give, enjoy, give some more, and then leave, physically and emotionally full and exhausted.

Then there are the hosts/hostesses. They prepare themselves and their home for the gathering…they start days in advance. They create an environment of hospitality and generosity. They think about their guests, their needs, and their enjoyment. They prepare the food to be served. They set the table. They welcome their guests. They serve their guests. They enjoy the fellowship. They enjoy the meal. When the guests leave, they clean up, crawl into bed and begin to plan for the next event they want to host. They are fulfilled.

Every church gathering will have guests of various kinds. We must be hospitable and generous with them all.

But what we often miss is that we as followers of Jesus, as The Church, we are ALL the hosts and Yahweh is the Guest of Honor. We often only see the speaker, the staff, and/or the Worship Team as the hosts. Sometimes, that change in the way that we think must come from the leaders.

Do you gather at church to consume only? Are you an attender only? Or are you a host of the saints and Yahweh?

I pray that we as followers of Jesus, the Light of the World, host our unbelieving guests and the Guest of Honor today with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength today.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ~Romans 12:13