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April 20 Apostleship
Hospitality
“A bishop then must be . . . given to hospitality” (1 Timothy 3:2).
There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition
to make room for two or three more at the family board, without
embarrassment or parade. Some plead that “it is too much trouble.”
It would not be if you would say: “We have made no special preparation,
but you are welcome to what we have.” By the unexpected
guest a welcome is appreciated far more than is the most elaborate
preparation.
It is a denial of Christ to make preparation for visitors which
requires time that rightly belongs to the Lord. In this we commit robbery
of God. And we wrong others as well. In preparing an elaborate
entertainment, many deprive their own families of needed attention,
and their example leads others to follow the same course.
Needless worries and burdens are created by the desire to make a
display in entertaining visitors. In order to prepare a great variety for
the table, the housewife overworks; because of the many dishes prepared,
the guests overeat; and disease and suffering, from overwork
on the one hand and overeating on the other, are the result. These
elaborate feasts are a burden and an injury.
But the Lord designs that we shall care for the interests of our
brethren and sisters. 38
Ministers, do not confine your work to giving Bible instruction.
Do practical work. Seek to restore the sick to health. This is true ministry.
39
Our work in this world is to live for others’ good, to bless others,
to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience
that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit
of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens.
But someone must bear them; and because the brethren in general are
not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian
duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the
cases of those who need help their own, are burdened. A church
should take special care to relieve its ministers of extra burdens in this
direction. 40
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