Chivalry Isn't Dead!!!!

Throughout this school year, I have weathered constant battles with my students over who gets to go first during small group activities. I'm not sure I have ever put my students in groups where I didn't have at least one group fighting over who went first...then second...then third...etc. It's exhausting. I'm often tempted to say to them, "Jesus says, 'The first will be last, and the last will be first.'" Unfortunately, the government frowns upon quoting Scripture in class. So, I have resorted to trying to teach this lesson without "preaching." (Side note: Isn't it interesting how in order to not be prejudiced against the minority, we consequently become prejudiced against the majority?) Even though it means putting up with and working through these fights of the ego, I still make my students work in groups.

All of that said, I can now come to a story from today. I had once again put my students in groups of two or three. After passing out materials, assigning partners, and giving directions I turned my students loose and waited for the first argument. Much to my relief (and, I admit, amusement) the first thing I heard was a sweet little boy say to his female partner, "Since you are a lady, you get to go first." I was floored!

I often feel that our culture lacks true gentlemen (and true ladies for that matter). It was so sweet to know that this little one in my classroom is already being taught and learning the importance of being polite and respectful to the opposite sex. I know some men four times his age that could use a lesson from him!!!

Having said that...as a woman, it can be easy to think that chivalry is all about how a man treats a woman. However, I am beginning to think that couldn't be more false. Lack of respect for the opposite sex stems from men to women, and it is not just found in the secular culture. I often see this even amongst those that call themselves Christians. What an unfortunate testimony we make when we do not respect our fellow humans! I feel certain God would tell us that disrespect is the same as not loving. Ouch! I believe He told us to "Love our neighbors as ourselves." That brings a new light to the idea of chivalry.

So, is chivalry dead? Thankfully, not yet. It is living inside my 6 year old student. There is hope for the next generation, but it is up to us to be the models God has called us to be!

"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs."