Knives, Forks, and Spoons –Which One are You?

As a Christian, I believe in sharing my faith. Each Sunday a devotion will be posted here to help communicate God’s love for each of us.

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“Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.”  (Acts 9:36, New American Standard Bible)

Seven-year-old Lindsay was helping me set the table. “I’m glad I’m not a fork,” she suddenly announced.

“What’s wrong with forks?” I asked.

“Forks like to stab things and try to get everything for themselves,” she replied. “It’s like they say, ‘Gimme, gimme’ all the time.”

I held up a knife. “What about these?”

“Too bossy,” she replied, wrinkling her nose. “Knives always cut things up to be  the way they want them.”

Then she picked up a spoon. “But spoons are your friends,” she said, cradling one in her palm. “It’s like they say, ‘Here, let me help you.’”

I had never analyzed our eating utensils before, but I think my little girl made a good observation about people. Not everyone likes to serve.

Lindsay would have called Dorcas a “spoon.”  Dorcas was a friend and helper to many. She used her sewing talents to provide poor people, including widows, with clothing. With no clothing stores around, Dorcas’ gifts to these poor women must have seemed like treasures from Heaven! By her service, Dorcas brought glory to God, the goal of every Christian.

What utensil would people use to describe you?

God, You understand that serving others is not part of our nature. We want to think only of self. Thank you for being patient while we develop into godly “spoons”, desiring to give ourselves to others. Help us to see people as You do, worthy of our love and attention. Amen.