A Kings comfort is money well spent

Sleepovers at my friend’s house were one of the hi-lights of my childhood. However, I remember one horrible sleep over experience that I’ll never forget. I was about 11 years old and one of my friends at school asked me to sleep over his house for his birthday. I had never been over his house before and since he was a good friend in school, going to his house would be a no brainer. It was sure to be a fun time. When my parents dropped me off I am pleasantly surprised that he lives in a great neighborhood in a small mansion of a house. I was not only intrigued by the size of his house I was sure that because he lived in such a nice place we were going to have a great time. But almost immediately things began to get awkward. He takes me to play his new Mike Tyson punch out video game but instead of us taking turns he forces me to watch as he plays. I asked if i could have a turn but he rudely denies me the chance to go one round with any of the boxers. Talk about getting sucker punched. In this mansion of many rooms he shares a room with his brother and I have to share a bed with my friend who is quickly turning in to my frenemy because of his poor hosting skills. The next day held promise. I thought that it could be a brand new start and things would be better. When he suggested we go bike riding around the neighborhood my optimism increased. We went to the garage and instead of giving me one of his bikes he gives me a skateboard to follow him up and down the streets. (Are you feeling sorry for me yet? I feel like I need therapy just writing this.) After we get back to the house he goes somewhere to do something and I am left alone, wandering around the wrap around porch of his house with nothing to do. I started thinking that maybe I should call my parents to pick me up but thought I would stay for his party at least. The party was a backyard barbecue where I got to witness his parents estranged relationship and his spoiled younger brother’s tantrums. The entire time I had regretted not making that phone call. When I arrived back home and walked through the front door of our simple non- mansion house I can’t begin to tell you how much relief my pre-teen heartfelt. And although I would never wish that kind of experience on anyone, it did teach me the value of hospitality.

I imagine all of you reading this would be happy to host the Lord's presence in your life. I don’t doubt that you would share everything you had and make it all about Him. You would give Him the seat of honor at your table, you would relinquish your rights so that He would enjoy Himself and never want to leave your house. Do you ever wonder how you could measure what kind of host you are? Is hospitality simply about how comfortable you make someone feel in your home? While that is part of it I also want you to consider something else. One of the main ways we can measure it is how we manage our money. Does that sound strange? Think about my friend and how he managed his possessions. He kept his possessions from ever touching my hand which showed that what he had was more important than me. If he would have been generous I would have felt important to him. We show how important the Lord is to us through our generosity. He lingers as long as He is being honored. When we include God in our spending and in our choices we are hosting his presence well in our lives. He honors the places and people who keep their honor on. He is most comfortable where He is most considered. Ironically, this type of thinking is how a wealth mindset is formed. He teaches us through our willingness to learn what makes Him most comfortable. Can you imagine how wealthy you could become if you would just know how to be a good friend when you’re hosting the King of Kings at your house?