Stellar Performance?

Five star hotels are constantly critiqued based on a comprehensive list of things that evaluate how effectively they meet the needs of their guests. The assumption is that the guest paying the bill has choices, and can stay wherever they are most likely to find the level of excellence they choose. While many older hotels don't make the list, for a variety of reasons, some do. The age of facilities is not nearly as big an obstacle as the "good enough" mind-set that balances costs of improvement against the perceived probability of profit. Believe it or not, working toilets and showers in the rooms are the "insurmountable" obstacle to many making the list. Cleanliness and safety are disqualifying factors for others. Obviously, the list is more than restrooms, clean sheets and doors that close and lock, but those, to me, seem pretty basic. They might not get you five stars, but you surely won't get the stars without them!



A couple of Christian businessmen have co-authored a book (Stan Toler & Alan Nelson, "Five Star Church") based on the premise that churches must constantly keep in mind that our number one goal is to serve God and others. Their premise prompts me to think what God might consider 5-star service. We forget too easily that members and attenders are not "the customers" of the 5-star church. We serve the One True God, Who deserves our very best. Every week, we pray, inviting God to come into our midst and receive our worship and praise. He is the one who evaluates our performance as Christians and as a Church.



If we follow the example of His Son, we'll serve our One True "Guest" best by giving ourselves to Him, and others, in sacrificially loving ways. Jesus said that our judgment would be found in the answers to the questions "When did we see you hungry or thirsty...destitute, a stranger in need of clothes or a place to stay...sick...in prison or bondage...?"(Matthew 25). Jesus said when we bless others, meeting their needs, we are doing it to Him. It is our reasonable service, worship. These are the basics toward becoming a 5-star Christian and Church!