The Basket Beside the Door
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Sunday morning always seemed to end with a hunt for Sam's shoes. One week a shoe was under the sofa. The next week both were behind the curtains, where Sam had been pretending to camp.
His older sister usually stopped getting ready to help him search. Sam did not think much about it until he saw her miss the last few minutes of breakfast. She had found his shoe beside the toy box while her toast went cold.
That afternoon Dad gave Sam a small basket. Together they chose a place beside the door. Sam put his Sunday shoes in it, then added the little Bible he carried to church. Dad explained that keeping his things ready could help the whole family leave calmly.
On Saturday evening Sam remembered the basket. One shoe was already there. The other was beside his building blocks. He carried it to the door and brushed a bit of dust from the toe.
The next morning his sister finished her breakfast. Sam put on both shoes without asking anyone to search. They even had time to help their little brother fasten his coat.
The verse speaks about doing things in order when the church meets. Careful order can help us serve people at home too. Sam's basket was small, but it reminded him that his choices affected more than himself. Getting ready became one way he could care for the people who were getting ready with him.
For the grown-up reading along
Paul calls for order in the gathered church so that its worship and teaching build people up. The passage gives a useful example of care for others through orderly conduct.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: 1 Corinthians 14 in the King James Bible.