Proper, Orderly and Powerful!

REFERENCE: I Corinthians 5:39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don´t forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

Observation: Why can't the church find this simple and beautiful balance the Paul suggested? Either we distain supernational "stuff" like prophecy, feeling that it is too dangerous or that too many people simply get it wrong, or we forget about doing things "properly and in order" and just let people do what ever they feel like doing in the name of the Holy Spirit in the church service.

How great when we get it right. Especially as a pastor I need to make sure that the church is eager to prophecy--that the prophetic is accepted and encouraged in our services. Yet it needs to be done in a way that does not push away the unbeliever or uninitiated. These so-called power gifts can have tremendously positive results in people's lives as they discover that God cares enough about them to talk to them and give them direction.

On the other hand, an "anything goes" atmophere, without pastoral wisdom, is a recipe for turning people off and  turning them away from God. We need, as the church, true power with great wisdom, discernment and discretion. 

Application/Confession: I am constantly asking God to raise up the prophetic in me. I want to live out an attitude of desire to see God move in power in the church gathered and I want to be a part of it. I also always want to have the wisdom and courage, as a pastor, to gently but firmly deal with things when ever they become improper or disorderly. It takes guts, but it is important if the church is going to experience the moving of the Holy Spirit without undue division or strife.

PRAYER: I need Your help Lord. I want us all to see Your glory. I want us all to deeply desire to move in the supernatual but I also want to obey Your Word and make sure that everything is proper and orderly. You are a God of order. Help me to live and direct ministy according to your character and design.