The Social Church- Part 4

“My body is a temple and this and that and the other thing.” – A pretty accurate depiction of my understanding of the Son of God dwelling within me for a good amount of time.

Growing up, I never questioned my role beyond the temple. I never thought about the way that my body and I as a person, while coexistent, were not one in the same. I never thought about how it even mattered to my faith. As far as I was concerned, my job was to just keep emptying myself out on the altar to make more room for Jesus, and then stay out of the way until something happened.

Don’t get me wrong, if you make room for Jesus, He will come. He will stay. He will inhabit, just as He did at Simon’s house when the Pharisees sent their invitation, made some room, and let Him sit and eat (Luke 7:36). But the problem with this “make room and sit back” mentality I had harbored concerning my relationship with Christ was that even the Pharisees did it. So what was making me different? What was setting me apart from religion bound by superiority and culture and limitation? What does Jesus want from me, or for me, that the Pharisees didn’t see?

At Simon’s house, there was but one person who seemed to grasp what was overlooked among the others. Unlike the Pharisees or supposed “hosts” of the party, an unassuming woman enters to show Jesus hospitality. Through her humble washing of Jesus’ feet, she allowed His presence to become His ministry. As she shed tears and poured out perfume to clean his feet, she gave Jesus the honor that no one else had given.

I thought being a temple was all I was wanted, and that the power of the Holy Spirit needed me to be as little involved as possible. And while it is true that many times we must get out of our own way when it comes to seeking God, what I failed to understand for a long time was that this temple has a host—me.

To allow the presence of the living God to dwell within you is one thing, but to lavish welcome and praise upon a Savior that chooses to be so alive in the lives of His people is another thing entirely.

As I reflect on the story of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if the people I love and care about were in the company of a Savior being honored and adored by a host like her. I wonder if I became hospitable spiritually and relationally, if I could seat my friends at my table, within reach of Jesus. I wonder if they might hear Him speak; if I could play host to the moment that they see hope.

I want that more than anything. And it will be a challenge. I’m not always nice. I’m not always gracious. I’m never perfect. But for the sake of those around me, I’m making a commitment to try and be a host. I challenge you, when you ask who is at your table, ask yourself next, how can I be a host? 

Written by: Brianna Vanderveen

Edited by: Tamara Sturdivant