A word for today

12 Jul 2010

The Oil Flows Down

It is like the...oil...running down... Psalm 133:2

If people lift you up, they can also bring you down. In April 1993, after Steve Morrow scored the goal that gave the Arsenal Football Club England's championship cup, his teammates tossed him into the air in ritual celebration. But they failed to catch him when he came down, and an embarrassed Morrow was carried off the field on a stretcher with a broken arm and an oxygen mask over his face. The Psalmist writes: 'Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard...of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing' (vv. 1-3 NKJV). God works through structure. The oil flows down, not up! It doesn't matter if those under you think you're wonderful, unless those above you agree. Until you understand that you'll be susceptible to those who, for their own reasons, want to tell you how wonderful you are and how you should be running the show. In God's kingdom, you're not approved until He approves you: '"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him"' (Matthew 17:5). To do anything significant for God you must first submit to leadership that can inspire you, instruct you, and when the time is right, release you into your calling. Learn the protocol that goes with the position. The oil flows down!