I have my parents to thank for modeling the example I decided to follow yesterday.

Around dinner-time I received a call from a guy in the church saying that he just heard from a guy he knows. This guy is going through a really rough time, including loosing his job, being evicted, and needing a place to spend a couple nights. Although he didn’t really ask if I was available, my first inclination was to make excuses about how I’m busy, have other responsibilities, and that this could be more convenient for some other people in the church than for me. Plus, I don’t know this guy and have no way to tell if he’d steal all my stuff and run off, ya know? We talked for a little bit, but when we got off the phone I felt very convicted about being the priest who passed by on the other side of the road in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Then, of course, James 4 came to mind, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” Doh! Even so, the Lord has blessed me with so much, who am I to hoard it to myself and not share with others in need? The Lord has blessed me so I can be a blessing to others. So I called the church-guy back and told him all I have is a futon cushion for him to sleep on, but he’s welcome to it.

My guest showed up later that night and I was kinda surprised to find that he’s an older man in his late 50s or so. We hung out and talked for a little bit and then went to bed. He’ll be staying with me for another night or two since I’m taking vacation this weekend and heading to Houston, but I’m glad I can be of service for even a couple days. It feels good to know that I obediently followed the Lord’s call to be willing to sacrifice myself, my time, and my possessions for His use. It all belongs to God anyway, right?

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for modeling this kind of hospitality throughout my childhood and teenage years.

Posted on October 4, 2005