Orders and Commands

An order is an authoritative indication to be obeyed; a command requiring obedience, as in the execution of a task; a directive or command of a court. To order is to issue a command or instruction; to direct to proceed as specified; To predestine; ordain.American Heritage Dictionary


“If you cannot take orders, you may not give them.”—Edna Lister


All laws are orders. Many orders are universal in nature, but many others are for a specific soul only or to meet a particular need for the moment. Orders and commands usually come to the individual through the voice of conscience, according to the internal moral compass; rarely, one will have a strong impression or hear a voice. For example, the burden of prophecy is a divine message that God orders His prophet or prophetess to deliver. Every instance of a prophecy is introduced with a phrase such as, Thus saith the Lord.

Commands and orders are relative laws of doing, principles modified as guides to right being and action, formulated to meet the needs of a single soul or a family, a group, a tribe or a nation. Following orders begins with obedience to divine law. Every law is an order, a command to right being or action. I don’t know what to do! you have not yet asked for or listened for your specific orders.





Edna Lister on Orders and Commands

Heavenly Councils do not make laws or give orders; the orders they issue are laws of being and doing. They apply self existent laws and orders to certain creative needs, and release them through Guards (guardians angels) who, in turn, release them through prophets, mediators or the voice of conscience. They also give laws through teachers according to their place, position and degree of responsibility. Councils allow no questioning, but turn lights on all alike. They watch the colors of persons and groups, and impersonally apply necessary laws and orders. Nothing is harder for a Guard than to administer a needed rebuke. remember that before you choose unwisely or rebel.—Edna Lister, August 8, 1938.


When you believe an order has come through, do not deny it expression or you will be judged as being in repudiation. Check with a trained mediator, a teacher; if you cannot, return to the Father in prayer twice more for confirmation. It is wiser to wait three days than to jump off the cliff of self-will.—Edna Lister, September 24, 1938.


Wisdom’s Gates do not open to knocking or shouting, but only to sacrifice of self and full surrender to orders from above.—Edna Lister, November 21, 1938.


In Gethsemane, the Master listened to hear the Father’s voice and receive His orders before his final ordeal.—Edna Lister, December 16, 1938.


The Master has given us orders—Feed my sheep.—John 21:16. Feed his outer sheep from the fullness of the Light of all love, which is released to us. Release that Power of Light to the whole world.—Edna Lister, January 13, 1939.


God grants nothing that He may not withdraw if just cause of illegal or unordered use of Power is charged against you. The shining lights of your aura reveal your use, not your words.—Edna Lister, January 13, 1939.


No creator makes demands. They obey when orders come; then they do and create.—Edna Lister, February 25, 1939.


True leaders carry out orders of divine instruction, but do not exceed or make orders themselves.—Edna Lister, April 5, 1939.


Great is the power and responsibility conferred when you fully surrender to God’s divine orders, always to be the servant of all the Power.—Edna Lister, April 5, 1939.


Be open and receptive to all orders, commands, suggestions and law given in the Master’s name, under sacrifice and surrender of self. Such may come to you in the form of a scripture vividly entering your thoughts. Heed and obey.—Edna Lister, October 20, 1939.


Let no darkness taint any of your creations, touch you, or move you from high resolves. These are your orders, given for your full ascension of soul.—Edna Lister, December 10, 1939.


All that God has asked of you is to consider only the Light, to call all perfect, to accept loving orders for your true guidance as to daily living, to see only the good and just, to keep your countenance shining with love and no darkness moving from you.—Edna Lister, November 6, 1940.


No one may unrighteously order another to do anything without standing in danger of the judgment.—Edna Lister, November 14, 1940.


Mediators heed and obey inner orders while ignoring outer circumstances and the subconscious mind’s selfish urging.—Edna Lister, A Design for Ascension, 1941.


The creator servant’s stance is like a baseball player on third base, ready to go forward, backward or around under your next orders, ready to accept each new thing as your own, just as it enters your life.—Edna Lister, March 10, 1941.


You must speak truth, yet only under known orders, lest the double-edged cutting sword of truth react and you lose place.—Edna Lister, October 21, 1941.


Mediators must carry out all God-given orders.—Edna Lister, July 17, 1942.


Hold your mind on an open channel and wait for orders, before making any move.—Edna Lister, August 16, 1942.


When you have proven that you hear and see in the night watches, and can do as ordered in service, you are ready to bring your own orders through, though only as impressions at first.—Edna Lister, October 14, 1942.


Consult with a known mediator before applying any self-received or self-conceived orders. Only so are you guaranteed safety from the vale of illusion or imagination. Beware that subconscious mind does not alter orders, or draw its own conclusions and so color truth.—Edna Lister, October 14, 1942.


Guards give complete orders under law and direct to the voice of conscience.—Edna Lister, November 13, 1944.


You always do the right thing at the right time when you follow an order instantly.—Edna Lister, January 31, 1945.


If orders seem puzzling or contradictory, you know that there is a perfect explanation. You cannot mishear if you listen in the golden silence long enough.—Edna Lister, January 31, 1945.


God does not require that you can see why orders are given.—Edna Lister, February 5, 1945.


Law assures you that once God gives an order, only good can come of it.—Edna Lister, February 5, 1945.


To choose rightly when the choice means a very great sacrifice, rather than to ask for orders, gives the greatest credits of advance.—Edna Lister, March 4, 1946.


Sometimes your orders contradict previous charges, which is an initiation testing for instant obedience. Only souls very high in consciousness can recognize this and still believe. A great reason always backs anything that savors in the least of contradiction between inner and outer.—Edna Lister, March 4, 1946.


To seek advice as to how to obey Orders is legal, but never ask to change the orders. Do not seek to have the cup "pass from thee."—Edna Lister, May 25, 1946.


You carry out the Orders of the Supreme, whose servant you are, not in a sloppy, lukewarm or indifferent way.—Edna Lister, July 20, 1947.


Obey all orders without permitting self to question them.—Edna Lister, August 17, 1947.


You forget an order due to lack of attention because of opinions, preconceived ideas of your own way, of how and why.—Edna Lister, August 20, 1947.


Do not reason, rationalize or question when you receive an order, just obey law. When you wonder why or stop to think about it, your subconscious rules and you are licked.—Edna Lister, August 20, 1947.


If you cannot take orders, you may not give them.—Edna Lister, August 21, 1947.


Seek orders instantly on what you get from the inner before you share it with anyone.—Edna Lister, June 15, 1948.


The one great sign of the true agent supreme is that they have lost all ability or desire to explain, justify or defend the orders under which they must live.—Edna Lister, August 10, 1952.


After you grasp the first idea, stand by and wait for orders. Don’t rush out and look for the change or you cut the vibration.—Edna Lister, November 17, 1952.


The first ideas about a need to change are your first orders to stand by for a change.—Edna Lister, June 6, 1954.


Never reprimand another unless ordered to do so from above.—Edna Lister, September 12, 1961.


The Councils sometimes change orders to train you in malleability. Ascend into the Light and stand for two minutes, before speaking.—Edna Lister, March 22, 1962.


Never use your soul gifts except under known, conscious orders.—Edna Lister, September 10, 1963.


When it smells and you hesitate or are unsure of it, stop. Do not act until you have put it up for three days if necessary. Pray about it and go get the answer.—Edna Lister, August 31, 1964.


You are never too busy to obey orders, so allow no outside pressure to override this need. You will have your answer if you pray.—Edna Lister, August 31, 1964.


As the Elect, we work for the ability to lend ourselves to complete surrender and obedience to follow orders given, without script, tablet or explanation. This is in no way being subservient, walked upon or mistreated upon earth.—Edna Lister, November 13, 1964.


Recording angels write your life, day by day, in a book in the Hall of Records, and you review it at night for tomorrow’s work. Sometimes it holds a Council message with orders. You have a right to illumination over each day’s experiences. Perhaps you will have a vision in the morning. Sometimes they delay the answer if the time is not ripe, but eventually the answer shall come.—Edna Lister, November 23, 1964.


Hearken to God’s orders and voice.—Edna Lister, November 7, 1968.


By creating an envelope of nonresistance, you create your own freedom to follow orders whenever, whatever and wherever.—Edna Lister, Undated Papers, 1924-1971.

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Stories That Illustrate Orders and Commands

Healing the Centurion’s Servant: When Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.—Matthew 8:5-13.


A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.—Luke 7:2-10.


Saul and Ananias in Damascus: And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.—Acts 9:1-18.


How Samuel Learned to Hear Orders: And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou called me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.—1 Samuel 3.


Jonah Disobeys Orders: Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them.

But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the ship master came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? For the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee. So they look up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows. Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.—Jonah 1.


Jonah Obeys Orders: [Jonah prayed to God from the fish’s belly, promising to pay his vows. "And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land."] And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.—Jonah 3:1-5.

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Edna Miriam Lister
1884—1971
The original Pioneering Mystic,
Christian Platonist philosopher, American Idealist, Founder, Society of the Universal Living Christ, minister, teacher, author, wife, and mother.


Edna Lister


Etymology of order: Latin ordinem (nominative ordo) row, line, rank; series, pattern, arrangement, routine. The meaning command, directive is first recorded 1540s, from the notion of that which keep things in order. Military and honorary orders grew out of the fraternities of Crusader knights.

Etymology of command: Latin commendare to recommend, entrust to.


Orders and commands are relative laws of doing.

Orders and commands are initiations in obedience.


References

American Heritage Dictionary, 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. ISBN 9780544454453.

Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, 2024.

The Holy Bible. King James Version (KJV).

The Oxford English Dictionary: Compact Ed., 2 vols. E.S.C. Weiner, editor. Oxford University Press, 1971.

Webster, Noah. Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language. New York: S. Converse, 1828.