In the assemblies of the church at Corinth, there was a lot of confusion brought on by a lack of love and the desire for some to have a prominent place in the proceedings. Paul instructs them in how the assembly should be conducted: “all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” The theological principle behind this is that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
This principle of God’s orderliness is everywhere. The rotation of the earth gives us day and night, prevailing winds and ocean currents. This rising and setting of the sun gives man the measure for his work and rest. The revolution of the earth around the sun provides seasons, one after the other, year after year. We could multiply examples, but the structured rhythms and orderliness of the universe all reflect the character and ways of God Himself.
In His dealing with Israel, God established order. In Numbers we read how the tribes camped in designated places around the tabernacle and the order in which they traveled.. The different families of the Levites were each assigned their own duties relative to the tabernacle. Tribal inheritances in Canaan were apportioned by lot based upon tribal population and laid out with distinct boundaries.
When Jesus fed the 5000, He had them sit in companies of 50 and 100. Titus (1:5) was left in Crete to “set in order what remains.”
With good order in creation and throughout the Bible based upon the person of God Himself, why would Christians think it would be acceptable to God or to any advantage to live a life of disorder and confusion? Yet, so many do just that.
Households run daily in disarray. Children tell the parents what to do. Homes and apartments are sloppy, unkempt and inhospitable. Finances are disorganized: no budgets, no control, no accountability. Husbands and wives don’t communicate and work at cross purposes. No regular prayer or Bible reading. It’s chaos and confusion. So much time, energy and resources being wasted.
If your life is a disorderly mess, work to get it in order. You and all your family will notice a blessed difference!
><> Jeff
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