In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives instructions meant to regulate the worship services of the saints.  The saints at Corinth were worshipping God in a such a way that was disorderly.  This led Paul to give them the following admonition.

1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV)
⁴⁰  But all things should be done decently and in order.

The church at Corinth was abusing some of their spiritual gifts, causing their worship services to be chaotic and disorderly.  For example, regarding the gift of tongues, several of them were attempting to use their gifts at the same time, and doing so without having an interpreter.  This meant that whatever message they were giving would not be understood by anyone, making the the gift useless.  So, Paul regulated their actions in the following way.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (ESV)
²⁷  If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. ²⁸  But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

Why did Paul set forth these regulations?  At the end of the previous verse (ver. 26), Paul instructed the church to “let all things be done for building up.”  Verses 27 and 28 tells them how to do this.

While we no longer have spiritual gifts, it is still imperative that we strive to do all things decently and in order.  We must remember the purpose for our worship services.  First, it is to glorify God.  We should always want to give Him our best, worshipping Him in a respectful and reverent manner.

Second, our services are meant to build us up spiritually.  That does not happen if our services are done in an disorderly fashion.  Brethren who participate in the worship services should take it seriously and do their best to conduct the service in such a way that is edifying for all.

Parents with children should take advantage of cry rooms and not allow their children to become a distraction while others are trying to worship God.  Generally, parents do a great job with this but it is always something to keep in mind.

All members should be mindful of others, not chatting about unrelated things during the worship services, being loud and distracting.

Worship services should always be a place of reverence, giving God the respect that He deserves, and a time when we can focus on spiritual things and be built up in the faith.  Let us all do our best to make that happen at the place where we worship.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things