“Open your hearts to one another” Romans 15:7
Open your hearts to one another . . . what does that mean? It can mean a lot of things, but I can tell you one thing, it goes against the grain of the world for sure!
I heard a sermon this morning, and I really liked it, and not just because my name is mentioned. Adam McMurray does a great job talking about being “welcoming” which in the end is, “opening your hearts to one another.”
http://www.riverwest.org/resources/sermons/what-kind-of-church-part-6/
Here is a story from back in the day – way back. My friend Jeff Sherwin had a great downstairs suite at his house when we all were in high school. We could play poker in his basement to the wee hours of the morning. I loved that my mom would throw a ten-spot in my hands and say, “Well, you would have spent that on a movie and popcorn.” The table would have at least 6 gathered around, and almost without fail the door would fly open, and there would be the largest plate of tacos ever! We felt “welcome!”
I think the reason it says, “Opening your hearts,” is because to truly welcome costs you something. It could be money (as in the two taco 12 packs I got yesterday for the boys football crew – thanks Mrs. Sherwin!), it could be your time, and it could be your own story that you share.
Why should Wal-mart get it right? (They have had people do nothing but “welcome” for the longest time!)
The first Young Life club I ever went to had two people in the driveway yelling, screaming, and welcoming all kids to the house. I thought it was crazy actually, but it worked, as I felt welcome!
The deeper level of welcoming is truly welcoming another person . . . it is to really be in touch with your own moments of welcome – and then in gratitude welcome others around you.
There is a world out there that is hurting, that is craving, and desiring to feel welcomed. We have to take the focus off ourselves . . . “have the same attitude as that of Christ.” (Phil. 2:5)
Some “Welcoming” ideas:
- As you come into the office, stop, pause, and check in with those you see. Really make a point to put your “day on hold.”
- Invite someone to coffee or lunch that is in your normal “life path.”
- Look for “new people” who might need a hand. New on staff, new to neighborhood, new to school, new to Scouts, new to a meeting, new to YOU.
- Open more than just what’s comfortable . . . open your home, open your car for a ride, open your small group, open your workout, open your golf group, open your playgroup, open your cupboards.
- Serve a plate of “Taco’s” – or do something that has a “wow” impact! (The smiles from $12 bucks at Taco Bell was so worth it! — See pic)
I was struck this morning and reminded about all the people who “welcomed me.” I remembered how it felt, and how it impacted me to be welcomed.
Thanks Adam! Great sermon!
Have a great Monday!
Eric