Christians are people of decency, people of order. We do not enjoy turmoil, or when the lives of people around us are filled with strife and disorder. Christians are people of peace. It is a “peace which passeth all understanding” and is given specially by Jesus Christ, (Phil. 4:7). We take very seriously statements in the Bible such as: “Let all things be done decently and in order,” (1 Cor. 14:40). We appreciate the peace and orderliness which alone comes from Jesus Christ, (Jn. 14:27).
Christians understand that good things cannot flourish in the midst of chaos and confusion. God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, (1 Cor. 14:33). “And the fruit of righteousness is sewn in peace for them that make peace,” (James 3:18). Jesus called his people to enjoy peace in their own lives, and to be “peacemakers” in the lives of others and throughout the world, (Mt. 5:9).
As I write these words, good people of our nation are concerned as they are seeing cherished peace slip away. Turmoil is being thrust into their lives from several directions. Politically, we are in the aftermath of a hotly-contested election which highlighted again the strong differences among our people. Medically, we continue to deal with a devastating virus and its divisive effects upon our culture. Families are divided about how to proceed, whether to wear masks, whether to celebrate family holidays together, and who to believe. Economically, we are hearing calls to “tax the rich” and “make them pay their fair share” etc., which further divide us. Socially, there are accusations of racism like never before, and calls for the defunding of our peace officers, who are leaving their profession in droves. Strong drug and other criminal laws are being questioned. Marijuana and other drug usage is being legalized, even encouraged. Crime rates are on the rise across our land. Religiously, churches are under enormous pressure across the country. Some have given up meeting at all, while others are struggling with ways to “bring their people back.” There is disagreement in the congregations about the best way to proceed. Those who hold the line in preaching the Bible are accused of being intolerant, bigoted, hateful. Some have stopped preaching on controversial issues altogether.
Christians desperately need to remember that God is still in control of this universe, and that we need to be at peace with Him. This is His universe, and His approval is more important than the approval of men. When we bring our lives into conformance with his word, and encourage others to do so, we are not being hateful or judge mental. We are being humble and wise. We are furthering in our own lives that crucial peace with God. As much as possible, we also need to be at peace with others. “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men,” (Rom. 12:18). We need to be sowing the seeds of peace, not discord and division. We should be exerting every effort to be peacemakers in a world of confusion. Be careful what you say to others with whom you disagree. Let the word of God do the converting. Exhibit peace and orderliness in your own life, not erratic inconsistency. Patiently stick with your profession of being a Christian. Let them have the privilege of seeing what a well-ordered Christian life looks like. “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
-by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
