lady

Once, years ago at a business seminar, I heard a speaker talk about how he achieved exemplary service at the hotel chain he worked with. He explained that all of the staff, from the managers to the maids, were rigorously trained in one key concept: “We’re ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” That was a powerful idea for people not used to being seen in those terms. It implied a level of behavior that came to define the entire chain of hotels.

I thought of that this morning as I read from 2 John. John starts his second letter this way, in chapter  1 verses 1-3 “To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.”

I love it that John addresses the church as “the lady.” If that’s who we are, we should act like it.

Ladies are well-mannered and gracious, even with – especially with – those who can do nothing for them. Ladies are modest. They are a model of appropriate deportment, in dress, appearance, and conduct, in all situations. 

One of the defining characteristics of a lady is that she welcomes everyone, is kind to everyone, and therefore is admired by everyone.

Today I’m thinking of the great ladies I’ve known, and seeing in them a model for the church. I think that captures what is meant by doing things appropriately, and with good order. If we’re a lady, let’s act like it.