DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 33:18-34:31; Psalms 4:1-6:10; Matt. 19:1-15
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments. 1 Corinthians 12:28
The word “governments” refers to those who govern in the local church. W. E. Vine gives “steering or pilotage” as root meanings. These men are the spiritual shipmasters or helmsmen. This describes what spiritual leaders do. They do not chart a new course but keep the ship on course, in the channel, away from dangers. God sets the course—not us. That course is laid out in the “navigational chart” of His Word. We are to steer and stay in it. —Carl Knott
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou, shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on! —John H. Newman