Is Your House in Order?

God is a God of order. He created the universe with perfect harmony. There was no discord, no disarray, and no confusion. Everything worked in ideal synchronization. So, I ask you, is your house in order? When I ask this question, I am referring to your walk with God, your spiritual house. Our main scripture is saying that God is the author of peace and the God of peace (Romans 15:33, Philippians 4:9). The Greek word for peace adds the idea of oneness and quietness. A state of national tranquility.  Living in an orderly way helps us to be in line with God.

“But all things should be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV

Proverbs 24:3-5 (NLT) states, “A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The wise are mightier than the strong,[a] and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.”

This verse isn’t just speaking of building a structure. It is speaking about family. Counsel that comes from God’s Word will build our families into godly families, and the understanding that God’s Word provides will establish them.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT) reads, “so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.”

We must be alert and watchful for Satan’s tactics. One of his prime targets today is family. He is very busy trying to bring divorce, marital problems, sibling rivalry, division between parents and children, and family strife.

A strong, Godly family that walks in love is a major threat to the enemy. God’s plan is agreement, harmony, and unity – a family joined together as one whose purpose is to do the will of the Father. A house that is in order allows Jesus to be the Head of every area!

I’m referring to the word SUBMIT. The meaning of the word “submit” must be clearly understood or many problems arise. The dictionary defines “submit” as “to yield (oneself) to the will or authority of another” (New Am. Her. Dict.). There are some things about submission that need to be pointed out.  

First, submission is voluntary. There are many ways that people can be forced to obey, but true submission is an attitude of the heart that cannot be dictated. For example, an employee may be forced to obey the guidelines of an employer but if there is resentment and bitterness in the heart, he/she is not in submission.

Every parent knows that children can be made to obey out of the fear of punishment, but true submission, where the child lovingly yields to the instructions of the parent, is a totally different thing. When it comes to being submitted to God, we all have a choice whether young or not so young. God does not demand anyone to submit to Him.

Secondly, submission and obedience are not synonymous (Acts 4:19).  This can be seen by comparing Peter’s actions with his teaching in 1 Peter 2:13. Or in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men”. This is always the bottom line. We should never obey any man, if that would cause us to disobey God. 

Submission is an attitude, not an action. Although it will express itself through actions. A person can have a submissive attitude and yet disobey an ungodly command (Rom. 13:1).

Jeremiah 7:23 (AMP) says, “But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you.”

In the context of this verse, the Lord was rebuking the people for the way they offered their sacrifices. They were still going through the ritual of sacrifices, but their hearts were far from Him.

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed (Hebrews 11:8). Do you put your faith into action? Our actions need to match our words. It is important to read the Word of God, but it is even more important to obey and do what it says.

God loves us more than we can begin to understand. He sets before us a choice. He respects our right to choose and will neither manipulate, nor control us.

You will be faced with many opportunities to obey or disobey. God has promised that if you choose to walk in His will, you will walk in the good life. Only you can make that decision for yourself. So, I ask you, is your house in order?

Looking for more? Check out my related blog posts:

• Thrive In the Vine By Abiding in the Vine
• Trusting the Good Shepherd