For Ladies
If Someone Came To Your House
Nancy Farley
A country singer named Porter Wagoner used to do a reading entitled “If Jesus Came to Your House.” It was a thought provoking song in which he asked the listeners specific questions about what they would have to do to change their houses before they would open the door to receive Jesus. I was wondering what we might have to do to our houses before we invite someone into them.
When I was young, we lived on a small farm. We lived in a very old log house, adequate but not fancy. Our living room floor sagged in the middle. We did have many good things to eat - things that were produced on the farm.
My parents were very hospitable people. We often invited people to our house. Sometimes, people invited themselves to our house. I have noticed that people do not often invite others to their homes now. What has changed? May I suggest some things that may be keeping some of us from showing hospitality?
Some people may have such nice houses that they do not want anyone to come. Someone might make a dirty track on the carpet or have children who would maybe get a spot on a chair, spill something, or break something. Is this your problem? Do you know how to fix this? If your house is too good for others, it is of no use. Go ahead and get that first spot on the rug. Then you will not mind as much if you get another. Most things can be cleaned. We must use what we have! “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:9, 10.
In 1 Timothy 6:17 the apostle Paul says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”
Some people may believe their house is too dirty to have company. Our houses do not have to be spotless. In Titus 2:5, we learn that the older women are to teach the younger women to be homemakers. I have learned that having company more often helps me to clean my house more often.
Others may think that their houses are not nice enough. Not nice enough for whom? “Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1Timothy 6:8 Jesus said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Luke 9:58
We may think we cannot afford to buy food for guests. No one said we had to serve steaks. We once had a potato patch on our friends’ land. We were working there one day when Anna Mae called us for “supper.” She had fried potatoes, beans, and wieners. It was wonderful. That was many years ago, but I have not forgotten it. We were eating with friends.
I remember when Patty got out a jar of peanut butter and a jar of jelly. She mixed the peanut butter and jelly together and made sandwiches for lunch. Wonderful! She served them as if they were a grand meal, and they were! I have not forgotten those either.
Christian fellowship is so wonderful. It helps to give us strength. Think about it. Can someone come to your house? –Rt. 5 Box 1468, Salem, WV 26426.