Bessie was a servant girl and spent most of her time washing dishes, ironing clothes, and keeping the house clean. I suppose some girls wouldn’t like that very well, but Bessie seemed very happy at her work, and I will tell you why. She had been attending Sunday school for some months, and had learned from her teacher, first of all, that she was a sinner in the sight of God. This is not news which would make us very happy, but it is what the Bible tells us, and it is true about me, and you too. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).
But Bessie went on to learn that God had provided a remedy for her guilt in sending the Lord Jesus to die for her on the cross. She rested on that lovely verse, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24).
Shortly after she had trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, she asked her teacher one day in class,
“Teacher, I wish I could do something for the Lord Jesus. I only get out on Sunday afternoon, and I don’t think there is anything much I can do for Him.”
“That’s a good question, Bessie. Let us turn to Colossians, chapter 3, and see if we can find an answer. Read verses 22 and 23.”
Very thoughtfully, Bessie read, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsver ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
The teacher waited, and soon Bessie looked up from her Bible.
“I see it now, Miss. If I do my work around the home to please the Lord Jesus, it is just like serving Him.”
And so Bessie’s work was done more diligently. A happy smile and cheerful song went with her work, for her heart rejoiced to know that her Lord and Saviour was watching.
Dear young Christian, may the Lord Jesus help you to do what you do for Him, at school, at home, and at play.
ML 06/06/1954