Oraker, J. (1988, December). "Hospitality of the spirit. Inside the Mission." Colorado Springs, CO: Young Life. Reprinted with permission.

OVERVIEW

Thesis. In a world permeated by hard sell, it seems naïve and unrealistic to think a person might find God if left alone. Rosy promises, threatening doom, subtle entrapment-these are the methods we're more familiar with when it comes to seeking converts.

In addition, the hard sell has become so much a part of our lives that we tend to feel a tinge of guilt if we are not proselytizing, on airplanes, in restaurants, on our jobs. "Win one for the Gipper" translates to "Win one for Jesus" in this age of marketing evangelism.

Is this a problem or not? To answer, we have to look at our motives. Why are we sharing the Gospel at all? If we are honest, sometimes our motives are purely personal, e.g., a relief of guilt or a desire for success, rather than compassion for the lost.

In addition to questionable motives, how can we measure our success? It's difficult to convince a committee without resorting to numbers.

Perhaps there is another way. Almost forgotten in these intrusive methods is the gift of space or hospitality. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 13:46) writes the Psalmist. We read this and respond:

• "Still? Are you kidding?"
• "Nobody can find God unguided-just look at Paul's fervor."
• "Shouldn't I be doing something?"

To answer that valid concern, I'd like to share a personal view. I have experienced the gift of friends not "doing" anything, of allowing me spiritual space. This was always a special type of hospitality that provided me with the opportunity to listen, hear, reflect, and dialogue. And each experience has helped me find God.

For me one person who exemplifies this gift is Vernon Grounds. Sitting in a Young Life Institute class some 20 years ago, I sensed a caring and dignity I had seldom sensed before. His language was the language of trust, his motions the motions of acceptance, his challenge the challenge to openness. I was drawn to him and though I didn't see him for some years, the same emotions surfaced immediately when we were together.

Later I worked more closely with him and discovered a network of others attracted to this man as I was. Though they spanned age and gender and sometimes spent little time with him, Vernon's friends experienced a caring seldom given from other students, colleagues, or friends. In addition, they experienced trust in God and personal wholeness, and my hunch is that Vernon represented the spirit of God in that process somewhere along the way. An example of spiritual hospitality. What is it in him that fosters such ties? I believe part of the answer lies in Vernon's gift of hospitality. He gives people space and he does it in several ways:

• When I meet him he expresses curiosity about me. I am often the first topic of conversation when we meet.
• I cannot remember a time when he has queried my theological allegiances, but he freely and comfortably shares his own when appropriate.
• Even with his busy schedule he gives one the sense that he is available-much of this has to do with his presence in the moment. I never feel pre-empted by more important things.
• He humors me respectfully, touches me warmly, and shares openly things of a personal nature.

Results of spiritual hospitality. The result of being with him for me has been almost automatic reflection, "stillness" if you will. I ponder my relationship with God; I seek answers to complex problems, and I trust God, as I think Vernon does.

In my relationship with Vernon I experience God as the great finder and the great respecter of persons, not only in the abstract sense, but of me personally. I become the sheep, lost and alone, that the shepherd carries home on his shoulder (Luke 15: 3-7); I identify with the coin that the whole house is swept to find, (Luke 15: 8-11); I am the prodigal, who lifts his head to see his father waiting for him to return (Luke 15: 11-31).

In the midst of that interpersonal stillness, I am not fending off seduction, ducking intrusion, or defending against threats. I am open to face God in the space created by our relationship. When unencumbered by persuading, intrusion, and seducing, God's voice is clear and forceful.

Some of you are gifted to allow people space-use it-it will be a blessing for many.

IMPLICATIONS

Even if this is not a natural gift, it is an important one we need to develop and nurture and use. Yet, if it is not your gift, do not force it. Thank God for those around you who can express it and express your gifts in the way that best suits you.

HOW TO DEVELOP SPIRITUAL HOSPITALITY

• Take time to remember the people who have given you the gift of spiritual space. Write down the characteristics that enabled them to do it.
• Think through how you would ideally like to be treated when you are hurting or seeking. Write that down.
• Spend time around people who are wise and healing.
• Spend time reading and meditating on Jesus and his interactions with His people and God's interactions with the children of Israel.
• Ask God to develop these traits in your life and consciously work to implement them.

cCYS