What Shall I Do for Thee?
This is a personal testimony. I feel deeply about the special roles God has given us women to fill at the end of the twentieth century. I would like to share some of my convictions with you.
The Mission Field at Home
At a time when every imaginable danger and temptation stands ready to destroy our children, homes, and families, too often we respond by saying, "Yes, I know, but I'm too busy." Too busy to take time to love our children, to nurture their little hearts and minds, to teach the loveliness of Jesus.
I am alarmed when I see how little time some of us spend with our children, teaching them to pray, not just vain repetitious prayers, but real prayers about real people and their needs, including their brothers and sisters, and about real problems in their own little lives.
And what are we so busy doing? Most mothers say, "I have to work, you know." Oh, it would be far better to scale back our wants and to see our beautiful families united in the kingdom than to work for "things" this old world makes us think we need. A woman has no higher calling on earth than the mission field in her own home. God calls for our best service. Do we have our priorities in the right order?
A Mother's Reflection
The other night I attended a baby shower. The new mother had her tiny baby with her, and I held him for a while. My heart ached and my thoughts tumbled through my mind. I thought, "If I only had another chance to take a tiny little one like this, how differently I would do it." And I took note of all the mothers there who had little ones, and some not so little. I wondered if they all recognized their solemn responsibility to care for these precious little ones.
Service in Every Season
I cannot, of course, go back and re-raise my children. But now that they're grown and married and have homes of their own, what can I still do for my Lord? I can offer my services to the teachers at our church school and see if I can help other children. I do teach a Sabbath School class. Currently I'm giving several Bible studies. Studying the Bible with someone brings many blessings! And what a thrill to see someone you've studied with surrender their heart to the Lord and join the church family by baptism!
One of the most important results of giving Bible studies is our own spiritual growth as we become increasingly familiar with God's Word, His promises, and the doctrines of our faith that so beautifully mesh together. We ought always to praise God for the precious truths we hold.
In Evangelism other ways are given that women can serve the Lord meaningfully. Or you can research your Bible, noting all the ways that women served, assisted or were instrumental in the life of Christ and in the lives of the apostles, particularly the life of Paul.
Opportunities for Service
Women, daughters of the Lord, let's stand up and be counted on the Lord's side! I've listed only a few things we can do. There is no end, if we start looking for opportunities.
Ways We Can Serve
- Give Bible studies and witness the joy of souls surrendering to Christ
- Teach in Sabbath School and nurture young hearts
- Assist teachers at the church school
- Participate in Ingathering (and I love it!)
- Be a close neighbor to someone in need
- Help at the Community Service Center
- Baby-sit while other women do something for the Lord
- Research Scripture to see how women served in Christ's ministry and the apostles' work
Our pay will be the reward of the Lord, and may all the glory be His. May we serve in humility and meekness.
and may all the glory be His.
May we serve in humility and meekness.