Lydia's Example

Lydia's Example

Lydia, an exceptional example of faithfulness towards our Lord and Savior! Acts 16:15 says;

"And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us saying "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us."

Lydia's faith in Christ was real and strong. Studying the book of Acts has made me realize that Lydia was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman! Lydia was an exceptional woman of God.

She was definitely a leader in the community as a business woman but most importantly in the fellowship of believers! Her business was one of luxury in those days, so by reading the scriptures, we understand that the Lord had blessed her financially. Luke also makes it clear that it was "her" household. She was an incredible home manager!

In Acts 16:15 she invited the missionary party to stay at her house. Paul usually did not come alone, so it meant that it did not matter how many people would be staying with her!

I love that about Lydia!

In Acts 16:40 it says that her home served as the meeting place for the Philippian church. We don't know how many believers usually came together but what we do know is that, as Paul was about to leave the city, they gathered at her house. They must have met there everyday for prayer, singing, and studying of God's Word.

This part of her reminded me not to get weary in well doing as we do our part in the fellowship of believers!

In Acts 16:14 Lydia was described as a worshiper of God. The faithfulness of her walk with Christ was manifested in her worship towards our Savior and Paul's acceptance of her hospitality!

As we remember Lydia in the early church, may we remember that the home that we have belongs to our Savior. Some of us are raising children while others of you are working outside the home - either way, we can use our gift of hospitality to serve our Him as Lydia had.

When I think of Lydia's life, it reminds me of that passage of scripture In 1 Peter 4:8-9 where it says,

" And above all things have fervent love for one another for "love will cover a multitude of sins." "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."

Close and Personal:

1. Do you know your Spiritual Gift?

2. If you do, are you obeying the Lord and using it?

3. Realizing, as Lydia, are you opening the beautiful home the Lord gave you to give a "cup of cold water" to those in service for Him or for someone who needs a place to rest?

4. Would our homes be honoring to Him if He needed a place to stay?

"My dear Father, may we always remember to be thankful for everything you have blessed us with. May we never forget that you give us the ability to make money and not for ourselves but to help those of the "household of faith."
Amen,

In Him,

Elaine