At the Table

Loyalty is a virtue from which other virtues can be born, such as courage, care, temperance, integrity, generosity, and humility.

Have you ever wondered why dogs are loyal to their masters? And why is it often said that a dog is a man’s best friend? If you own a dog, you know that dogs, like human beings, appreciate being loved. No wonder that when a dog devours the crumbs from its master’s table, it feels its owner’s love. We, too, can partake daily of the crumbs from our Master’s table—even when they seem hard to find during difficult seasons in life.

We can trust the Master through the complexities of a pandemic, war, illness, failure, ungrateful children, an abusive partner, the challenges of single parenting, or when experiencing financial setbacks. Trust the Master. Remain loyal.

“It is as though she [the woman] said, ‘Yes, Lord, I am indeed a dog, but not a very big one, only a tiny one; and since the little dogs stay under the master’s table and eat the crumbs the children drop, surely you must be able to help me. It is only a crumb that I ask.’” Like her, you, too, can ask for a crumb. Then, nestle yourself in His arms of deliverance, cuddle up under His blanket of humility, and snuggle under His comforters of love.

Enjoy being loved by your Savior.

Realize, sisters, that now is the time to partake increasingly from the crumbs from His table. Have patience; be loyal as you do so.

Paul defines four areas where we should show loyalty: to God, to Christ, to the gospel, and to the truth. Are you willing to join him in practicing, and growing in, loyalty? Philippians 4:4, NIV says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness [loyalty] be clear to all. The Lord is near.” Be loyal, true companions.

We can trust the Master.

Juliet L. Lucas Languedoc