Tuesday, January 7, 2014

A Time to Serve

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three 
measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. 
(Genesis 18:6)

One day three unexpected guests showed up at Abraham and Sarah's door, and Abraham decided that they needed a meal. Guess who got volunteered to help in the job? 

His lovely and obedient wife. He he hurried into the tent and ordered, "Hurry up and bake some bread."

Kind of bossy if you ask me. No "please," or "if you don't mind and have the time."

Excuse me? You want me to do what? I didn't invite these men in. I don't even know them! These are your guests. If you want them to have a meal, then you do the work. 



Maybe Sarah was getting ready to meet with some friends. Maybe she was in the middle of cleaning up from the morning meal, and her kitchen was in chaos. A million things were on her to do list, and dear hubby expected a meal on the double.

Have you ever been there? What was your response? Did you fly off the handle, tell your husband or boss off, thinking you were in the right? Were you be proud of your response?

Or maybe you haven't been there. Your husband would never dare ask you of anything unexpected, or expect you to entertain strangers unaware. He knows the strife it would cause in your marriage and home, so he doesn't bother to ask. Your friends or co-workers don't ask you for help. No one comes to you when they are in a pinch, because they already know the response they will get. 

There's a time to say no, but also a time to serve.

Sarah was a servant. Her husband knew he could come to her when he got in a bind. He could count on her as a help-meet, and to never dishonor him in front of others. That's the kind of wife I want to be. The kind of friend and co-worker I want to be. 

That's what God wants us to be. 

Maybe your husband will come to you with a request this week. His might be bossy or have the wrong attitude, but two wrongs don't make a right. Do it cheerfully. Love in action. Selflessness is never easy, but it will make your marriage glorious. 

Do you have a story to share about serving others or your husband? I'd love to hear about it! Let's see who can be the first to comment!

Image courtesy  http://mrg.bz/MTcLZt


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