Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. —1 Corinthians 14:39-40
We Christians have created a lot of religious assumptions about how God deals with us. He is a gentleman, we say, who will never barge in, but who politely stands at the door, quietly knocking and patiently waiting. The Holy Spirit is often thought of as being extremely shy or skittish. If we want the Holy Spirit to move, we get very quiet and still. If a baby cries, some think the Spirit might be quenched or perhaps scared off. This sounds ridiculous, but some Pentecostals and conservative evangelicals alike operate under notions such as these. Paul instructed the Corinthians not to forbid tongues or prophecy but to “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40, KJV).
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Holy Spirit, how grateful I am that You are indeed a gentleman. Thank You for patiently waiting for me to open my heart to the revelation You want me to have. Help me to always move as You prompt and only as You determine.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman who never barges in.
He stands at the door, quietly knocking
and patiently waiting.
