1 Kings 1, starts with the story of a beautiful young woman, Abishag, who was recruited into the position of King David’s personal heater in his old age since he was always cold. This was an event that occurred in ancient times, even though it may seem strange to us now.

Yet, what amazed me about this is that she waited on King David faithfully. It isn’t easy to care for the elderly, but she did it with honor and purity. The Bible tells us there were no sexual relations.

Yet, when I thought about it, it dawned on me that if she wasn’t pure and a woman of integrity, she could have tried to seduce David. She knew that being David’s servant in this way would have essentially meant giving up her chance to get married.

Yet, as we read later in chapter 2, there is an attempt by one of David’s sons to marry her, using her position as part of David’s harem to his political advantage. It didn’t work, but she was being inadvertently used as a pawn in the political game between David’s sons for the throne.

She also could have used his age against him and tried to manipulate her situation for personal gain somehow. But she didn’t. She did her duty with honor.

Her small appearance in chapters 1 and 2 shows us a few things about being a Godly woman.

1. We need to be ready to do the work God calls us to do. Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” (NKJV)

2. We are to do our work with purity and honor. Titus 2:7 says, “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.” (NKJV)

3. We are to do this work selflessly. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NKJV)

I don’t know about you, but I will be praying to our Lord to help me be like Abishag.