God’s Established Order – Ephesians 5:15 – 6:9

When God created, he did not leave things to run their own course but ordained a disciplined, orderly way for all things to function. It is no good putting on God’s armour if we are not keeping his order. The Scriptures immediately before those about God’s armour have to do with God’s order: in society, in the home, in marriage, with children and in the workplace.

They are repeated in Colossians 3:18-25 and they outline God’s order and how it functions in mutual love and respect, not taking advantage of others but in humility and submission to one another. This order is not new but ancient and has endured for thousands of years. However, the “New Age Order” is attempting to overthrow this ancient order and change everything. (Daniel 7:25).

When something is not working, a sign is put up saying “out of order”. Society is out of order and broken, resulting in ruined lives, rebellion and disrespect. God’s order has been broken, and we are suffering because of it.

It is in this context that we are told to put on the armour of God and to stand against the devil’s wiles. Soldiers must be disciplined, and part of our discipleship is to keep the order. This is an important subject and requires sober consideration as to the reasons why things are so out of order with the sad result of broken marriages, broken lives and broken hearts.

The devil knows the best way to cause problems is to destroy God’s order. He works through “principalities and rulers of darkness” and millions of demons that cause disorder. In current times, immoral things are not necessarily illegal, and illegal things are not necessarily immoral. We all know people whose lives have been destroyed through the disorder of today. If you pause and consider this, you will get an understanding as to why the world is in such a mess.

Lack of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an essential principle for everyone. It is impossible to go through life and not be hurt in some way. One of the greatest pitfalls in life is unforgiveness. Many of us find that to forgive is the hardest thing to do and we can end up becoming resentful, bitter and even hateful for real or imaginary reasons.

We need to forgive and be forgiven and forgiveness is central in the teaching of the Lord. He taught the disciples how to pray and this included the need to forgive and be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12). In his teaching he emphasised forgiveness and gave an important principle: we are forgiven to the extent, we ourselves, forgive others. (Matthew 6:14-15).

To emphasise the importance of forgiveness Jesus told what seems, on face value, to be a very harsh parable. (Matthew 18:21-35). The lesson is that if we don’t forgive those who sin against us then we ourselves will not be forgiven. We must decide. To forgive, no matter how hard, is not an option but a command. (Colossians 3:12-13).

Forgiveness does not depend on an apology from the offender or restitution on their part but must come from the heart of the offended person. Unforgiveness does great harm to ourselves, but forgiveness releases peace and mercy into both us and the situation and can bring healing to both sides of an altercation, dispute, or something more serious.

To forgive is therefore necessary for our own well-being. When Jesus hung on the cross, his very first cry was to forgive. It was also the cry of Stephen as he was stoned to death. I believe it was this cry that touched the heart of Saul, who was watching and turned him into a saint. (Acts 7:58-60).

There is a law of God called the “Royal Law of Liberty”. (James 1:25-27, 2:1-13). This law does not seek vengeance but shows mercy, even to one’s enemies. (Romans 12:17-21).

How to Handle Hurts and Attacks

We are encouraged to bring our hurts to God in prayer. If we do so with an attitude of forgiveness and obedience to the Lord, we are set free from resentment and bitterness and released from the hurt. We can, in gratitude to him, forgive others because he forgave us.

Forgiveness is necessary for us more than for those who have caused us hurt. People who do not forgive end up in a dreadful state of bondage and can suffer psychologically and mentally, as well as having serious physical ailments. Demonic bondage can also come because of it.

So, it is important for our own good, to genuinely forgive those who have hurt us. This releases us and brings them to a place where God can speak to them and help them. If you are under spiritual attack, forgiveness is part of your victory.

Take the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith and “cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you: he will never permit the righteous to be moved”. Encourage yourself in the promises of God’s Word and enter his presence, receive forgiveness, love, and healing. (Psalm 91, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 11:28-30, John 10:2-29).

Join me as we continue on our journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Blog series Six – Pitfalls to a Life of Faith:

Episode 2: The Principle of Confession and Cleansing

Episode 3: The Principle of Sowing

Blog series Eight – Keys to Growing in Christ