Orderly

Why is it that the one year you get a flu shot you get the flu? Why does your dog shake off muddy water next to you when you’ve just changed into good clothes?  Why does your husband get sick on the day you’re supposed to go on a family vacation?  Why is it that the day you’re ready to complete your project the power goes out? Why do microphones work fine in rehearsal but then screech during the play?  Why do people get mad at other drivers right after leaving church?  Why do camera batteries go dead just when your son takes his first steps?  Why does some stranger’s toddler pitch a fit at the climax of your daughter’s recital? 

Meditation1 Corinthians 14:40--But everything must be done decently and in order.
 
I’m glad Paul taught the Corinthians to exercise orderliness in worship and sharing but you have to wonder what he was thinking.  When is life ever truly orderly!  With groups of people (or by ourselves) how often does anything go exactly as we plan?  How do we have fitting worship amidst hidden agendas?  It’s easy to have a good attitude and know how to respond when equipment works correctly, people behave and the pitcher throws a fastball when you’re looking for a fastball.  

Ahhh but wait!  Perhaps it is possible to be orderly even in the center of chaos.  If our hearts are set on obeying God everything we do or say should be fitting!  The orderly way means:

• We take our instruction from the Holy Spirit and wait for His leading
• We do not contradict God’s Word
• We commit to set our eyes on Jesus—not the pain, disappointments, adversity, fear, failures, or expectations and opinions of other people.
• Programs never take priority over the Savior
• We do not seek personal attention or power rather we want God to be glorified
• Life’s surprises, challenges and problems don’t control our attitude, character and behavior  

An orderly way comes from settled spirits at peace because our trust is steadfastly in God (Isaiah 26:3).  

​When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write the word “everything,” He showed us that nothing excuses us individually or corporately from exercising our gifts and living our lives such that walk and worship are pleasing and magnify God’s greatness!    
 
InspirationGod’s order comes to us in the ordinary haphazard circumstances of life, and when we are in touch with Him the sacrament of His presence comes in the common elements of nature and ordinary people.—Oswald Chambers in He Shall Glorify Me
 
©2003 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)