Procedure & Protocol
There are certain protocols in most areas of life. Protocol is simply the formal way of doing something. Protocol often involves procedure which is acting in according to a preceding process. I am a pretty systematic person on most days. I have certain procedures that I go through to begin my day. I am the one who set the procedure and I have some flexibility to change them. I have found that for me, keeping to a set of procedures helps me start my day and I can get ready to face whatever comes my way. Procedure has helped me form solid habits that are helpful to my time management and my work management.
As I think of protocol, it is used throughout my day as well. I know that I could go through the proper channels to speak to someone in authority, but it’s also tempting to break protocol and go straight to the person I need to communicate with. In my world of Real Estate, there are certain “protocols” and rules that manage most of my communication. If I’m representing the seller in listing his/her property, and another agent represents the buyer, it is not protocol for me to speak directly to the buyer without going through their agent. If a seller has their property listed, it is not proper protocol for me to reach out to them directly to solicit that listing away from their current agent.
In the Old Testament, under the law, the Lord had certain protocols that He wanted follow in regard to worship. There were procedures to be followed in the ceremonial washing, sacrifices and even places to go inside the Tabernacle or Temple. King David had assigned certain people to be in charge of certain protocol and procedure. Check this out….
19 Each group carried out its appointed duties in the house of the Lord according to the procedures established by their ancestor Aaron in obedience to the commands of the Lord, the God of Israel. (1 Chronicles 23:19 NLT)
Procedure can bring a systematic approach and boundaries upon certain activities that I do on a regular basis. For example, I can get ready each morning in a certain order or routine. I’m not bound by that, but if it’s working for me, why not? I’m thankful that when Jesus came, He took out some of the procedure and protocols of the old testament worship. He brought in new procedures and protocol. For example, I don’t have to go through a priest to talk to God, I can just pray wherever I am. I also don’t have to do ceremonial sacrifices to go before the Lord. Jesus is my conduit to God, The Father. I do feel like there are certain protocol that are to be followed when coming before the Lord. First, I should be completely real and honest. I should have a humble and contrite heart. I should prepare my heart to hear from the Lord.
My procedures and protocols before the Lord are mostly self-imposed disciplines to help me keep my relationship with God growing and vibrant. I think each person needs to figure out for themselves their own procedures and protocols that work for them. I just know that the more time I spend with Him, the clearer my decisions are. I value the time I spend with the Lord throughout the day because I began with Him first thing.
Pressing On!
Dwayne