Who have you invited?

Who we invite says a lot about us.

Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
Luke 14:14 NLT

The natural man understands these three things:

• Inviting rich and respected people who can pay him a good return on his investment in inviting them
• Inviting those very much like himself in appearance, standing, opinions, and passions to build support for his own causes
• Inviting a poor man as long as his display of pity towards the man can be applauded and praised

But what about the man whose heart for them drives him to invite just as easily the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the rich, the comfortable, the healthy, and all men of all walks of life?

Could we say that such a spiritual man was just, and impartial, and kind, and humble — and might have a glimpse at what great value lies beneath the varied outward coverings in every case?

Might we do well ourselves to lay down those familiar traditions and perspectives — and turn away from those old, natural ways of invitation contrived for the means of manipulations and exclusions?

Lord, help us to see your example of grace and mercy — giving us what we could not earn nor could we ever repay. Help us treasure this in our hearts and be molded and shaped to be more like you. Amen.