ORDER (2nd in a Series)
By Elder Mark Green
That good order is necessary to the efficient functioning of the church is seen in her nature. The church is a spiritual body. Paul describes it in terms of a natural body in Ephesians Chapter 4: “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (v. 16).
In order for the body to work properly, every joint (every member) must be working. In order for it to work, it must be “fitly joined together” so that “that which every joint supplieth” can flow freely to supply the health of the body. In our natural bodies, whenever something interrupts the proper functioning of the parts, all the body suffers as a result.
Good order demands that every member be in his place, exercising his gift, taking care of his responsibilities so that the health of the body will be maintained. Anything that interferes with this proper functioning is disorder. In natural bodies we call this disorder “disease.” Disorder is the disease that sometimes infects the spiritual body.
The church is a voluntary body. No one is compelled by outside force to enter the kingdom of God. There are many whom we wish were members, but until they purpose within themselves to join, they would not be willing members.
We are told that we must press into the kingdom of God. This pressing takes purpose and effort on our part. Because the church is a voluntary entity, we cannot physically compel any member to do anything. He must desire to do that which is right, and resolve to do it, and be diligent to carry out his responsibilities to the best of his ability.
The order of the local church is expressed in the rules by which the members agree to abide (Church Covenant and Rules of Decorum) so that the church can function as it was designed. When a church is in “good working order,” that is what will happen. However, when something is “out of order” – when a part is not working as it should – the body will be hindered, and may break down entirely if something is not done about it.
The rules of the church are not there so people can boss each other around, but in order for the church to be able to go about her business as she should. Compare them to the Operator’s Manual for an automobile. This manual tells what must be done if the car is to be operated as it was designed. If the owner does not change the oil, or if he puts water into the gas tank, then he can expect problems. Common experience tells us that.
The church was designed by the Lord, and the rules (order) given to her are necessary for her to be as she should be. If she is not as she should be, then she cannot do as she ought to do. If she does not do as she ought to do, then the sheep are not being fed and protected, but instead are being disturbed and neglected, and God is not being glorified.
The church is made up of sheep. God’s people are called sheep for a reason. Their nature is revealed in that term. One characteristic of sheep is their tendency to scatter when a predator comes among them. They prosper, not while they are under stress, but when they are fed beside still waters. The good order of the church is designed to make sure that the “waters” stay still, instead of being stirred by sin.
One obvious point of order is that God has given pastors to the churches, and among the duties of these pastors is to stand upon the wall so that they can see a long way off and warn of approaching dangers. If the pastor is doing his duty, he will see approaching dangers and gently steer the church away from them in such a way that many members might not even realize that there was a danger.
However, if he neglects his duty of watchfulness, he may see the danger only at the last moment; and then, to avoid a shipwreck, a sudden, violent adjustment may have to take place, which disturbs the peace of the church and causes great anxiety and stress, so that members’ minds are taken away from Christ and onto the element that is disturbing them. Good order makes for “still waters.”
Good order allows the church to function properly even in stressful times when it is “under fire” from Satan. Order is absolutely necessary for the health and growth of the church and for peace in Zion. – Editor