Joel M Bradshaw

14Although I [Paul] hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.–1 Timothy 3

I remember years ago serving in a group home caring for residents. The home had nurses and doctors we could call with any medical question we had as we did our duties. But in most cases, doctors left what are called “standing orders” for their patients. These were to be used on any given day and covered certain topics that came up frequently. Even though the doctor wasn’t present, those orders still had authority in his or her absence and were meant to guide us as caregivers.

That’s what Paul seems to have been doing. These are standing orders for the church. How they were to conduct themselves even though they didn’t have the apostle with them. The Bible is full of really great boundaries…and remember, the most powerful boundaries are ones you place on yourself!

I drop off my children at school most mornings, and we end the drive with what used to be called the “Daddy prayer” and now seems to be called the “school prayer.” I pray for three things for each of my kids.

1. THEY WOULD LISTEN TO THEIR TEACHERS.
2. THEY WOULD BE A GOOD FRIEND.
3. THEY WOULD MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

I am not at school with them, so they are given standing orders as to their attitude and conduct. On the drive home or around the dinner table the kids are sometimes asked for examples in their day of when they listened well or were a good friend, etc. Here are three standing orders for the Christian.

1. BE HUMBLE ABOUT YOUR SIN.
2. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT SELF-DENIAL. DISPLAY THE RIGHT FRUIT!
3. SHOW GRACE TO THE UNDESERVING. ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.–JMB