The Guest List

When having a party or special event, whom does one typically invite?  The guest list probably includes folks such as family, friends, co-workers, etc.  I’m not indicating this is wrong, however, if this is all we ever do in our outreach attempts and social gatherings, is there something missing? Confession time- I am guilty of this!  As I read the parable of the wedding feast in Luke 14:8-14.   Verse 13-14 really gets to the heart of living a serving life, reaching out to those in need-physically/physiologically and/or spiritually.  Jesus says, “but when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed-this should not be our motivation, but love for others should convict us.   Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."  So, I challenge the collective body of Christ-all Christians, to re-evaluate our future fellowship activities and also include some of the following as invitees:  those we may not know very well, perhaps do not have much common interests, those that are hurting, lonely, poor, one’s the world considers  as social misfits. Christmas time is here, not that we should only express a giving/serving heart at this time of year, but 365/24/7.  Now is a great time to change our paradigm of our future guest lists for our social gatherings and daily walk. I recommend reading a book called 'The Hole in our Gospel', by Richard Stearns-  an awakening/compelling read on our true purpose in this blessed life provided by an Awesome God. Blessings in you future 'guest lists' and Blessings in your pursuit…….TO