Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. (1 Peter 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 to 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 an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than fifty years.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
