Inside-Out Hospitality

Host: We are back from the break, and our lovely Martha is here with us. Before the break, she shared her touching story of serving Jesus Christ Himself and how she moved from the distractions and frustrations to a more balanced heart of hospitality, where fellowship and service meet. She is the first one of our guests to have 2 slots on our blog because we really want to squeeeeeeeeeze a lot from her. Her story is so relatable as many of us see pieces of ourselves in those distractions and frustrations. Despite her busy schedule, she made time to be with us for this long. So, Martha, once again, thank you, and welcome to the show.

Martha: It’s indeed a privilege for me to be back here.

Host: Let’s dive right back in. In your opinion, when it comes to hospitality, what are some reasons we find ourselves worried and upset about details or distracted, as some versions have put it (Luke 10:41-42), distracted (from the main goal)?

Martha: In my not-so-little experience, I can bring it down to one main point: When we make it about ourselves. Do you get my drift? Like when we want things perfect so that people will applaud us or so that people won’t judge us (messy house, poor cooking, or financial status based on what is served). When we compare our hospitality with others, for example, we used to have this thing where we have meetings in houses, and each time it was my turn to receive, I felt the pressure to outdo what the last host served on the table, this led to me sometimes going over budget or making everyone around me uncomfortable with the too much work.

Host: (hahaha) I bet Mary had her share of that! It brings to mind the scripture that says

Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. (Proverbs 17:1).

Martha: Exactly! What is the point of having a big feast at home if the people at home are not in sync? I remember you also wrote about this in your article “Hospitality Begins at Home“. It was a good one. I love how Jesus opened my eyes that hospitality is not about food only and we do not have to be limited or stressed by it.

Jesus says He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The question we should be asking ourselves is whether we have invited Jesus to the table, and if I may put it this way, have we made Him the “Menu”? I am not saying we should no longer cook ndole or fried rice but do we think about how we can make Jesus more known and seen through our hospitality to others? That will take the weight off a lot of our hospitality when we move the focus from being about us to about Jesus.

Host: Wow that’s profound! Making Jesus the “Menu”! Not just some side dish hid at some corner of the table. Hallelujah! For those not aware, ndole is a Cameroonian delicacy and it just so happens that’s what I cooked today (winks at Martha). Very quickly, apart from your obvious outburst of frustration, what other signs could show that we are losing sight of the “One thing”, the better part?

Martha: Hmmm, what can I say? I grumbling last time and thinking back, being easily irritable is another sure sign of losing balance. Another sign is when you are so busy hosting (among other things) or even serving in church that you no longer have quiet time with Jesus. The last thing that comes to my mind is when you are more focused on the task than on the people, which can be challenging for a person like me who wanted things done just right.

Host: The importance of quiet time with Jesus when it comes to hospitality cannot be overstated. It’s from that time we draw strength, grace, and wisdom daily. So, Martha, we’ll move to our last question. What are some practical tips we can implement to achieve that balance?

Martha: It’s what we have been saying here, fellowship with Jesus and by extension, with our guests. This means keeping away distractions like phones as you have nowadays and practice the act of active listening. Also, remember that less is more-keep things simple and convenient so you’re not overwhelmed with preparations. For example, I have learned to do meal prep and store them. This way, when I have an unexpected guest, service is quick and I have more time for bonding! I would love for your team to project this verse that keeps me going: Philippians 4:6-7

Host: I love how this verse talks about “everything”. This means that even when it comes to hospitality, I can pray about it and He will fill me with His peace. Amen. It has been a wonderful time with you Martha. We have learned a whole lot from you.

Martha: The pleasure is all mine

Host: To our lovely audience, thank you for staying with us. I picked the importance of active listening, and less is more when it comes to hospitality and we will be talking about those at some point in the blog. So please subscribe. If you enjoyed Martha, please like, share, and comment so that many others can be blessed as well.

Until next time!

PS: This is fiction and not an exact representation of the actual events in the Bible.