THE PROPER ORDER

Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"The priests and Levites first dedicated themselves, then the people, the gates and the wall." Nehemiah 12:30 NLT

As with all God does, and all that should be done in God's honor, there is a proper order of things.

There is no chaos. No disorganization or disarray. There is no mayhem, no confusion, no commotion.

When the Jewish people finished rebuilding the wall, they had a ceremony to celebrate. There was singing. There was praying. There were vows made in order to keep the walls maintained and the people holy.

The order was along these lines...

The preachers (priests) dedicated themselves first.

Then the church workers (the Levites were the Temple servants--musicians, Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, janitors, etc).

Then the congregation.

Then the doors of the church (the gate--the entryway through which all would come and go).

Then the building itself (the wall--that which would protect and keep all done for the Lord).

Here are my thoughts...

We are all 'ministers' in some capacity in the sphere of influence God has given us to live and love in.

Are we dedicating ourselves first and foremost?

Are we living good examples of godly dedication to those whom we are overseeing?

Are we prayerful and discerning about what we allow to influence us, because we know it will have a trickle down effect?

Are we guarded in what is allowed in and out of our hearts, minds, eyes and ears?

Are we protecting what God's entrusted to us?

One thing leads to another in God's way of doing things that honor Him. We cannot skip steps, we cannot jump ahead, we cannot give 110% in one area and only 30% in another.

Let's start with ourselves. Let's dedicate our hearts to the Lord and His will for us. Fully. Wholly. Entirely. Sacrificially. With a commitment that He approves of.