The Order And Righteousness Of God

“Let all things be done decently and in order”(1Corinthians 14:40).

Let’s begin today’s devotional with a word from the Prophet Isaiah: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (32:17-18, ESV).

At times, God’s intentional design for man can be so evident that our own ‘lack of control’ (or submission to stubbornness) – if you will – seems all too comical. For instance, here, the Lord guarantees peace, security, and quietness **IF** righteousness is steadfastly pursued. Remember that righteousness is following what is right (as defined by God); and when you are following what is right, order manifests in your life.

The same idea can also be extrapolated to the gifts of the church so that the church can be edified and built up. As 1Corinthians 14:39 says, “So, beloved friends, with all this in mind, be passionate to prophesy and don’t forbid anyone from speaking in tongues, doing all things in [an appropriate], beautiful and orderly way.”

Let’s wrap things up with Jesus’ resurrection… For someone to be raised to life in Christ (see Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12), they must be born again in the Spirit (see 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 14:6). RESURRECTION — both concerning Jesus Christ and our own personal being-raised-to-life via Christ — is **NOT** some happenstance, chaotic thing. Quite the opposite, it is a divinely timed, perfectly orchestrated, and fully justified event that not only leads one away from sin but also builds up a life of righteousness. Jude 1:20-21a emphasized this truth, saying, “But you, beloved, [are] building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, [keeping] yourselves in the love of God…” (ESV). Notice the order involved all around, throughout, and within the righteousness of God. Amen!

– Contributed by Bro James Agtuca