In Order
Written by Michelle Smythers
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
As we read through the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New, God performed many miracles and made so many provisions for His children that it leaves us in awe of Him. But have you noticed that with each miracle or every way He provided, there were steps to take or instructions to obey? From the parting of the Red Sea, which Moses had to raise his staff and stretch out his hand, to Jesus' obedience through the Last Supper and giving His life on the cross, there was submission. By submission of a person, God was able to show Himself powerful and amazing.
There are a lot of ways to be submissive. We must submit every area of our life to God, from our conversations with those around us to our submissiveness on our job. As a Christian, how we react to and respect those around us shows if we are in order with God. There are rules and guidelines set all around us. You can't just do whatever you want whenever you want. There are laws of the county, state and government that we must follow. When you don't obey the laws, you pay the consequences. There are rules on our jobs, at schools and even places we go to. Don't follow the rules, privileges are taken away and restrictions are placed.
All rules and regulations are in place for a reason. Some reasons are for safety. Some are to keep things from running wild. Our obedience to man's rules shows if we are willing to be obedient to God's rules. Of course, following God's rules is much more important than man's rules, but they go hand in hand. When other people see our willingness to be respectful of each other or those who are over us, it shows the submissiveness God requires of us. God commands us to do all things decently and in order. For example, a church service has some order and expectations. When there is not respect for God or others in the service, someone may be distracted for a split second which is just enough time to miss an important word of encouragement or instruction. But when we all show respect to each other, a service is carried out decently and in order and needs will be met by God.
In everything you do, everywhere you go, do all you can to abide by this scripture: Let ALL things be done decently and in order. Submit yourself to God. As you do this, follow His scriptures to submit to those in authority. Respect those around you. By allowing order to be carried out, you may be allowing a miracle to be performed or a life to be changed.
Last Updated: April 13, 2026
