Do you have your acts together? Are your things in order? What does it mean to you to have your things in order? Does it mean to have your retirement plan in order? Does it mean a plan for your relationships, job, and children? Have you left someone out of your plan?
Often, when we think of putting things in order, we think of planning our life, developing a plan in our jobs, or making final arrangements as we near end of life. Far too often we only think of worldly possessions and our finances. But there is more to putting things in order than what we normally think of.
The Apostle Paul closes out his second letter to the church in Corinth with a simple message to put things in order. He clarifies it with a couple pieces of advice. He tells them to agree with one another. Let’s not misunderstand that statement into thinking he means they can never disagree. After all, not everyone will agree that steamed broccoli is an awesome side dish. He is speaking about agreeing who Jesus is and serving Him. He is telling them to not quarrel over the how of worship but agree on worshiping in truth and spirit.
Paul tells them to live in peace. This is not just peace with one another but peace with those in their community and the Roman authorities. Functionally, he is talking about obeying the law and not purposely stirring up discord. He is also speaking of accepting the peace of God into their lives. This happens as they allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives more.
We can make our lives much, much more pleasant if we were to follow his guidance. When we all agree that Jesus is the most important part of our worship, we are less concerned about the order. When we seek God’s peace and peace with one another, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and look at things from one another’s perspective. Make no mistake, it takes a commitment from us and a surrender to God to achieve these.
I pray we all submit to God. I pray we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. I pray each one of us will strive to agree with one another and live in peace with one another. Put your life in order. Submit to God. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Be in agreement with other Christians. Live in the peace of God. Be at peace with others.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Marty Pressey 