R.S.V.P. - Is It A Lost Art?

We all enjoy getting the pretty invitation in the mail and we feel flattered our presence has been requested at a function. A holiday party? Wow, that sounds like a fun way to kick off the Christmas season! A costume party? Exciting!! I think I’ll be Cinderella. A backyard BBQ? Can’t wait to eat Sherri’s potato salad! As invitees we are flattered, yet we don’t RSVP! I have hosted several social events this summer, each with a requested RSVP. You would think people would be so excited about the invitation they would immediately confirm with the host to reserve their portion of the potato salad. This is just not reality!!!

RSVP literally means repondez s’il vous plait, or please reply. Why do we fail to reply? Are we so busy that we’re afraid to commit to the date? Do we have so many invitations that we can’t decide which event to attend? Is our day booked minute- to-minute, not allowing us 30 seconds to find our way to the phone to say yes or no to the invitation?

As I was preparing food for these parties without knowing how much food to buy or how many people would really attend, I thought about attending a party in heaven. God has sent out invitations for us to join Him in heaven for a glamorous reception! The invitation was written in crimson red and they were very expensive. They cost Him the price of His son’s life. What if we failed to RSVP to such a powerful invitation? What if we fail to share the invitation with our loved ones?

Fortunately, God will never be shocked by who shows up for the party. He will know each one by name. We can be assured there will be plenty of food on the buffet table. The punch fountain will be overflowing. The floral centerpieces will be lavish and fresh. The band will be prepared to play all night despite how many people are at the party.

The real question is, “Are you ready to accept His invitation?” Will you find the time to call in your RSVP so that you are prepared for this amazing party? Will you do your part? The Host is ready to accept you with open arms!

I feel it’s important to respect the host who is preparing for you, therefore allowing no excuse for ignoring an RSVP. From an eternal perspective, an RSVP is not optional! We don’t yet know the date of this grand party but the invitation has been sent.

How can we make sure the art of a proper heavenly RSVP is not lost?

Respond to God’s invitation to join him in heaven. (Say yes to make Jesus your Lord and Savior!)
Serve God by serving others.
View your time on earth as preparation for the rewards you will receive in heaven.
Plan daily time to learn from God’s Word.

The next time you RSVP to a party invitation, think about how exciting it will be to attend the best party of your life in heaven!! Then ask yourself, who in your family needs to RSVP. Now make a plan to share the invitation with this person! The party is drawing near!