A Servant’s Heart
1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Early this year, our church organized a bible study group for young ladies, 6th grade and up, to encourage and reenforce the principles they are taught at home: love Christ, embrace modesty, cherish your purity, serve humanity, and love one another. They call themselves the P.E.A.R.L.S.
Polished ~ Educated ~ Ambitious ~ Resourceful ~Loving ~ Souls~
…all characteristics that you would find in the Proverbs 31 Woman.
Dana’s husband had a superb idea, that for the men’s bible study meeting, the P.E.A.R.L.S. could prepare and serve a meal {with light supervision, of course}.
The girls had a blast!
They chopped, baked, spread, and stirred their hearts out.
Getting the salad and chili fixin’s ready
They served chili, salad, and pimento cheese sandwiches with all the fixin’s, as we say in the South.
And to end the meal; a choice of homemade Banana Puddin’ with Brown Sugar Meringue and scrumptious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake was on the menu {some of the fellahs had a little of both!}
The men were very impressed with how well the P.E.A.R.L.S. did.
Our Pastor asking blessing for the food
Now, to some, I know that this idea seems sexist, backwards, or oppressed.
If that is where your head is at, then I ask you to open your heart. First of all, the world has made it ugly for a woman to serve a man outside of a food establishment environment.
One of my favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterson that says:
“It [feminism] is mixed up with a muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands.”
I believe that God is pleased to see young women learning a role that is humbling and vital in the family dynamic, but I will save that thought for another time.
Secondly, this lesson wasn’t about “serving men”. This lesson was about serving mankind.
As a society, we have eradicated the idea of where love comes from and, in essence, what love really is.
Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love isn’t just about how we feel. Love is about how we ACT.
If we all chose to LOVE one another the way Jesus told us to, wouldn’t the world be a better place?
The men enjoying the meal
May God bless all the young ladies across the globe. May they all know the peace and love of Jesus Christ through His saving grace, and extend His love to others.
Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Proverbs 31: 10-31. Are there any in today’s modern world?
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
I fall very short, but what a wonderful world this would be if all women could be more like the virtuous woman!
I think I will print this off and post it on my fridge to remind me every day that I need to strive and be more like this virtuous woman.
God Bless,
SGC
southerngalscook.com 
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