Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

July 18– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“[The army of locusts] do not bump into one another; each one moves forward in his path.”

—Joel 2:8

Locusts always keep their rank, and although there are many of them, they do not crowd upon each other which would cause great confusion. This remarkable fact in natural history shows how thoroughly the Lord has infused the spirit of order into his universe, since the smallest animate creatures are as much controlled by it as are the heavenly bodies and the angelic messengers.

It would be wise for believers to be ruled by the same influence in all aspects of their spiritual life. In their Christian graces no one virtue should usurp its place over another. Affection must not smother honesty; courage must not disregard meekness; modesty should not diminish vigor; and patience must not slaughter resolution.

The same is true of our duties. One must not interfere with another. Public usefulness must not injure private piety; church work must not push family worship into a corner. It is wrong to offer God one duty stained with the blood of another. Each thing is beautiful in its season, but not otherwise. It was to the Pharisee that Jesus said, “This you ought to have done, without having left the other undone.”

The same rule applies to our personal position. We must take care to know our roll, take it, and keep to it. We must minister as the Spirit has given us ability, and not intrude upon our fellow servant’s who have their role to play. Our Lord Jesus taught us not to covet the high positions, but to be willing to be the least among the brothers. May an envious, ambitious spirit, be far from us! Let us feel the force of the Master’s command, and do what he wants, keeping rank in His army. Tonight, let us evaluate ourselves as to whether we are keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. Let our prayer be that, in all the churches of the Lord Jesus, peace and order may prevail. [M&E]