To Bless or To Impress

In the holiday season and with any celebrations, many of us find ourselves hosting guests in our homes. It can be a busy and frustrating task to get our homes ready, food prepared, and families in line to entertain. Sometimes it’s easy for us to get caught up in trying to impress our company instead of being a blessing to them. We can be a blessing if we use these five biblical strategies for entertaining guests using the acronym B-L-E-S-S.

B – Be Focused on God’s Purpose (Isaiah 55:1)

While we may be preoccupied by the smudge on the wall, our guests may be struggling with a difficult marriage, a wayward child, or bankruptcy. The immaculate state of our homes has diminished value compared to meeting the spiritual or emotional needs of our guests.

L – Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations (Philippians 4:11)
Waiting until our houses are picture perfect could translate into “no guests at all.” A spirit of contentment can nurture a renewed thankfulness for the opportunity to express hospitality.

E – Encourage Family Participation (Proverbs 22:6)
Assigning children duties such as taking coats or setting the table helps train them in the role of hospitality. As they take an active involvement in hosting and preparing for company (even if it isn’t as perfect as mom does it), they have a vested interest in making the evening as pleasant as possible.

S – Simplify…Simplify…Simplify (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
When we simplify our expectations, our anxieties are lessened by keeping preparations simple. The art of cultivating and maintaining good relationships is far more rewarding than an extravagant menu.

S – Season our Homes with God’s Presence (Matthew 5:13)
Our hospitality gives the family an opportunity to be salt and light to guests. As we seek to be a blessing to others, our home will stand out, not for its external beauty but as a lighthouse in a lost and fallen world.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be mindful of being a blessing to those You send to my home. Help me to express a spirit of contentment and thankfulness to my guests. Amen.

In His Service,

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