Living invitational lives

I borrowed "invitational lives" from Sherman Kwek.
In the context of urban, city life it is counter culture to live an invitational life, but we are also going to reap a sweet return of simple joy and fulfillment against the tide and ugly consequences of materialism and consumerism.

1. Jesus lived an 'invitational life". He invited the seekers to "Come and See" - John 1:39 when asked "where are you staying?" . "They came, saw and remained with Him that day! The time spent was impactful for Andrew who [ brought ] invited Peter to Jesus as well. Philip in turn invited Nathanael. Jesus gave the invitation for people to be with Him. Mk 3:13-19
"Come, follow me and I will make you fisher of men" Mt 4:19. - Walk and Work with me.
"Come unto me all you that are heavy ladem" Mt 11:28 - Find rest.
"all who are thirsty, Come and drink" John 7:37.- Be refreshed.
2. Jesus invitational life was a transparent life: 1 John 1: 1-3 - The apostle declares that the Jesus - Incarnated Word - was heard, seen with eyes, looked upon, and our hands have handled..
3. Today we are invited to invite Him that He might come in and eat with Him. Rev 3:20. He wants to know as He wants to be known.
4. Jesus also invited Himself. He connects with people in a very personal way. He asked Zaccheus" make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house" Lk 19:35
Mary, Martha, Lazarus were very closed friends. He was branded as a friend of sinners and publicans.
5. The Samaritans invited Him to stay longer after "tasting the water" John 4:40. They delight in His presence.

We have a challenge to live out invitational lives that are attractive and life-giving in the midst of shallow relationships in this materialistic and "me-first" world. Our attractiveness does not mean a "perfect, all in order spiritual life" but an honest acknowledgement of our journey towards transformation in Christ Jesus.

We wisely and consciously avoid being sucked into the patterns of this world that would suck us of the joy of simple and authentic kingdom relationships.
Can we demonstrated a different kind of community that embodies authenticity, honest caring and sacrifice?
Let us practise true Christian hospitality irrespective of our jobs, the cars we drive or the house we live in. There might be angels waiting to bless us. Heb 13:1-2; Gen 18:3-5; 19:1-3.