Standing Orders

Some things are done without questioning; they are a way of life for the team. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with charity.

___________________

If you work for a particular company, I am sure there are certain things that are expected of you as a norm for operations, and that without question.  Those are standing orders, or standard operational procedures.  It you are part of competitive sport, a member of the military, or a leader in a local church, the same is true.  There are certain behaviors that are required in different arenas of life, and failure to perform at that level could cost one his job, or at the very least, his reputation or witness.  That is the case with our Text for Today. 

Each day that you rise, it would serve you well to recognize a set of “standing orders” that are automatically in place for you to which all your words and actions are tied, and from which directions for each element should flow.  They are set forth here so very well.

1. watch ye – Jesus asked His disciples if they could not watch with Him for one hour; we are each called by the Lord as watchmen over a certain element of His kingdom;  we must be faithful, keeping our eyes open, being circumspect as to what is happening all about us
2. stand fast in the faith – without faith one cannot please God; we must feed our faith on the Word of God; to stand strong on our most holy faith, we must pray in the Spirit
3. quit he like men – men don’t quit work half done; they finish the job; they complete their assignment; they don’t make excuses; they do what is expected of them by their master/employer, and more
4. be strong – this is not a suggestion for the child of God; this is a commandment; and the method by which our strength will continue is given to us; put on the whole armor of God that you can stand in the evil day

If you will accomplish anything for the kingdom of God that lasts, these standing orders we are examining must be a consistent part of your living.  Success and victory in the kingdom of God is a matter of faith working by love.  Success and victory don’t just happen.  There is a direct cause and effect.  That phrase, “cause and effect,” means that any true deliberate effect has a direct cause, and for victory in faith, that cause is found in your “standing orders.”  Remember, “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong.”  They are set before you.  Determine to comply with them in your service to the Lord and His kingdom.  The rewards far outweigh any sacrifice.

Manna for Today – 1 Corinthians 16:12-18; Ezekiel 33:6-7; Ephesians 5:15; Hebrews 11:6; Jude 20; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:10-18