Hospitality doesn’t work every time

There is not a one-to-one relationship between every invitation and every time people respond. There is not a one-to-one relationship between every time they come to the party and every time they get involved in the class. There is not a one-to-one relationship, but it happens often enough to make a huge difference. One night really can make a huge difference.

I remember one time inviting four couples who had visited our church to join us on a Friday night. I called all four couples on Monday night and all four said they would join us. I called on Thursday night to confirm. Four couples confirmed that they would be there.

Now, I might explain that when we have people over, my wife likes to have the house clean. She likes to have the living room clean, the kitchen clean, the bathroom clean, the dining room clean, the bedroom clean, the bedroom bathroom clean, and the bedroom bathroom shower clean. I have explained this to her: “They are not going to take a shower.”

I don’t want to overstate the case here, but when we have people over, I try to do my fair share. So, on Friday afternoon, I am buying the Diet Coke, making the coffee cake, vacuuming the floor and, of course, cleaning the shower.

The party was schedule to start at 7:00. On schedule, our friends showed up. We were enjoying some Diet Coke, coffee cake and table games, but in the back of my mind, I am thinking, “What happened to all our visitor couples?” None of the four couples that I had invited on Monday and had confirmed on Thursday showed up. None.

I called this one guy; Ron was his name. “Ron, where are you?” (I was probably not filled with the Spirit at this moment!)

“Oh, I got off work, I was tired, my work is a hassle and I just didn’t feel like getting out tonight,” he replied.

“Ron, you need to come over and see my bathroom, man. I have been shining this thing up, just for you!” I didn’t actually say that, but I wanted to. It will happen to you.

It doesn’t work every single time, but it will work often enough to make a huge difference. One night really can make a huge difference.
Josh Hunt. Christian Hospitality.