My dad's favorite dessert is Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This is the only thing I can think of that is good when it is upside down. Things are created to work upside...up. That's why boxes are labeled 'This side UP'. . . because it matters.
Have you ever tried to play a piano that was upside down? Or sit on a chair that was upside down? The pieces of our culture were created by inventors and designers with a certain order, and to work a certain way. Cars do not drive if they are tipped over on their roof. Ever open a filing cabinet that is upside down? The examples are endless.
God, too has designed and created with a divine structure and order. When this order is 'upside down' you have chaos and disaster. For example:
Consider the inmates running the asylum, or children running the home. (don't let this happen to you!)
God has designed the husband to be the head of the home, and the parents, in submission to God and one other are to be in loving leadership over the children. Children are commanded in the Scripture to obey their parents, and to honor their father and mother. This is the divine order. Loving leadership, and loving, willing submission. Homes that have a different authority structure in design or in practice are destined for trouble, if not disaster.
There is a designed and divine order in the family of God as well. Jesus is the Head of the church. (That's a relief!) He has given spiritual leaders, . . . apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church to bring leadership, discipleship, preach and teach the Word of God, and to equip 'the saints' to do the work of the ministry. Just as in the home, these spiritual leaders, in submission to God are responsible for the leadership of the local church...and must give an account to God for their leadership.
In Scripture, the writer of Hebrews in the last few paragraphs of the letter gives this reminder.
Obey your spiritual
leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls,
and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy
and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17 NLT
Pray for your spiritual leaders today. Use your own words or pray something like this:
Prayer: Thank You, God that you have given spiritual leaders to Your church. Thank You for these men and women who watch over my soul and are concerned about my spiritual growth. I pray for the spiritual leaders in my life today. (mention them by name and pray for God's blessing on them) I thank You that they hear Your voice and follow You. May I have an attitude of submission and support toward those You have placed in my life, as unto You. And may my life and obedience cause them joy and not sorrow as they serve and obey You, and teach me to live like Christ. Amen.
