God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33 (CEB)
The Corinthian church was at times chaotic. They had their divisions, with some members loyal to various apostolic authorities. Even around the Lord’s table, those who had an abundance refused to share with those who were in need. Paul was exercising his authority when he cited them for disorderly conduct.
Another obvious problem in the Corinthian church was their jealousy. (1 Corinthians 3:3-5) Rather than concentrating on how they could serve God, they became involved in jealousy and conflict with one another. They coveted the abilities and resources God had given to other brothers and sisters in Christ. They did not have an appreciation for one another, or for the giftings that God had given each of them. The Corinthians lost sight of the mission.
The members of the church exhibited a zeal for spiritual gifts that is lacking in many churches today. However, they may have been causing more harm than good. For example: Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. 1 Corinthians 14:23 (NLT)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are powerful tools, given to the church for a purpose. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT). As people of the Holy Spirit, we have a great responsibility to live and walk in wisdom. The world and other believers are watching. We must not be the reason that people reject the validity of the gifts of the Spirit for the church today.
Someone Is Watching
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)
It might be hard to believe, but I wasn’t always a perfect little angel growing up. (Okay, it’s not hard to believe.) When my misbehavior was witnessed by others, I can still recall my mother telling me that my behavior reflected poorly upon my parents. Even more so because my father was a minister.
When Christ-followers “misbehave,” it reflects poorly upon our Father. Conversely, when we “live properly,” our friends and neighbors “will give honor to God.” If we want to win people for Christ, the way we live our lives will either support or undermine what we say.
Furthermore, there must be consistency in our public and our private lives. Jesus reminds us: There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. Luke 12:2–3 (CSB)
Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to be something one is not, involving a false appearance or simulation of character, particularly in terms of virtue or religious piety. Sadly, we are not always aware of our hypocrisy. It is important for us to ask God for assistance. The Psalmist proclaimed: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23–24 (CSB)
Order My Steps
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)
An ordered life is an established life, and to have your life established, it must be ordered. This means prioritizing what matters most, always considering how to promote God’s glory and the interests of His Kingdom, and following a deliberate plan. This requires bringing not just intellect, but spiritual insight to bear on your life, constantly referencing God’s perspective and will. Such an approach ensures that your life will endure and remain meaningful.
Lack of order can lead to serious problems like communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, resentment, and disunity, which can damage one’s witness to others. An ordered life is a powerful life, drawing strength from God and becoming resilient in the face of challenges. It’s about maintaining a single-minded purpose while relying on divine power.
An ordered life is a disciplined life. It is a life that reflects well upon our heavenly Father. It is a life that stands out, and people take notice. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (CSB)
Practically, an ordered life means having a well-disciplined spirit that allows you to think clearly, prioritize effectively, and consistently fulfill responsibilities. It’s about being able to “get your act together” and approach tasks and duties with intentionality. We always have a choice between order and disorder, and orderliness is inherently more noble and better.
Living Life
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 (NLT)
Paul’s instruction to lead a “quiet life” is a profound call to live with intentional peace and purposeful restraint. The Greek term for “seek to lead” conveys ambition, and “quiet” refers more to a state of being than silence. In light of Christ’s expected return, Paul exhorts believers to strive to live faithfully, quietly, and restfully.
In a culture where ambition typically means relentlessly pursuing goals or status, God’s view is radically different. Christians are called to make it their ambition to project a “quiet” confidence in God, living in such a way that their love and trust become a witness to the world.
The ultimate goal is to win the respect of others and avoid being dependent on anyone, with the understanding that taking care of one’s responsibilities is itself an expression of love toward others. A life that is lived in order is more attractive than a life of disorder.
Steve Ekeroth