Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. (1 Pet. 4:9–10)
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE in the world: Hosts and guests. Hosts look for ways to show hospitality—to give and to serve the needs of others. Guests look for ways to benefit from those who are hosts and receive the attention and service to which they feel entitled. Hosts look at their resources as gifts for which they are to be stewards. Guests look at their wants as needs others should satisfy.
We sat across the table from each other. He was a successful businessman. I was a pastor who needed a miracle to pay a large construction bill due that week on the first unit of our new church building. It was hard, but I apologetically asked if he could help us. With tears in his eyes, he told me that everything he had was a gift from God and he was thrilled to be able to give to the Lord’s work. Because he was a steward, he was a host and provided my miracle that day.
Jesus came as the ultimate host—to serve and not be served. He taught that serving others is life’s highest calling. We are stewards of all things, including God’s grace. He gives us the gifts, resources, and strength to serve in ways that will bring praise and honor to Him.
Find a person you can serve today.
Ken Heer was a pastor, community director, and author (A Good Start and Ancient Fire). He passed away prior to this publication.
