Lydia-Open to God

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:14 (NKJV)

I have had my own household since 1981, the year I was married. I am a people person and I love to cook. So, naturally, I host family gatherings and luncheons with friends. In the early years, I found it very stressful. I would clean the entire house and cook for my guests, thinking everything had to be perfectly presentable. Enjoying my company was impossible because I was exhausted when they arrived! Can any of you relate?

Through the years I gained a little wisdom in the matter and solved my problem. A few days before my guests arrive I try to straighten up so that the day they come, I can concentrate on preparing the food. The accumulated little messes and specks of dust seem to go unnoticed. After all, they come for fun and fellowship, not to check out my house; right? Now, I love to invite guests for dinner, and even encourage anyone to just drop in. I have an open door policy and I always enjoy hospitality. I refuse to say, "Excuse my mess." The purpose is not to impress, but rather provide a place where people feel cared for and loved.

If you read Acts 16:13-15, you will see that Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth, a valuable and expensive material. Commentators say she was probably wealthy and an influential merchant. When Paul and Silas came to Philippi to preach the gospel, they discovered there was no synagogue - apparently the city did not have the minimum number of Jewish men required. Instead, they found a group of women gathered by the river to pray on the Sabbath. One of the women was Lydia. After hearing Paul speak, she allowed God to work in her life and she responded to Him. The Lord opened her heart and she accepted the gospel (v 14). Lydia and her household were baptized and she immediately offered hospitality to Paul and his companions. Lydia's invitation to her home was more than a cultural politeness; her offer was motivated by her belief in the Lord and her desire to serve others. "Immediately" did not suggest she felt she had to make special preparations for her guests before they arrived. Later in this chapter (v 40), her house became the meeting place for the growing number of believers in Philippi, and the basis of the church in that city. Lydia's hospitality demonstrated an open door policy.

It is easy to bring this story into perspective of our current culture and ask ourselves a few questions. Are you influential in a trustworthy way? Are you open to God's word and His work in your life? Do you respond immediately when He is asking you to serve Him, or do you delay in order to make special provisions first? Is your heart and home open to the people God places in your life? If we were to be honest, none of us will 'live up' to this standard day after day. However, we can use these questions to measure our commitment to God, and motivate us to maintain a servant's heart. Like Lydia, keep an open door to His work in your life and home, and be influential in the lives of others.

Lord, shape our attitude toward hospitality and give us opportunities to bless others.

Janet Stutzman