Locusts always keep their ranks. Though their numbers are legion, they never crowd each other or throw their columns into confusion. This remarkable fact shows how thoroughly the Lord has infused the spirit of order into his universe—even the smallest creatures are as controlled by it as the rolling spheres or the seraphic messengers!

Believers would do well to follow the same principle in their spiritual lives. In your Christian character, no single virtue should usurp another's sphere or eat out the vitals of the rest for its own support. Affection must not smother honesty. Courage must not elbow gentleness off the field. Modesty must not jostle energy. And patience must not slaughter resolution.

The same goes for our duties—one must not interfere with another! Public ministry must not injure private devotion. Church work must not push family worship into a corner. It is ill to offer God one duty stained with the blood of another! Everything is beautiful in its season, but not otherwise.

Remember what Jesus told the Pharisee: "You ought to have done this, and not to have left the other undone." The same rule applies to our place in the body of Christ. We must take care to know our place, take it, and keep to it. We must minister as the Spirit has given us ability, and not intrude upon our fellow servant's domain.

Our Lord Jesus taught us not to covet the high places, but to be willing to be the least among the brethren. Far from us be an envious, ambitious spirit! Let us feel the force of the Master's command and do as he bids us, keeping rank with the rest of the host.

Tonight, examine yourself. Are you keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? Let our prayer be that in all the churches of the Lord Jesus, peace and order may prevail.