The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. (Psalm 37:23 KJV)
Some may interpret the word "ordered" in this verse as meaning commanded; as in receiving instructions from a superior authority. But, in this case we can think of "ordered" as the opposite of disorder, confusion or chaos. The New American Standard version replaces the word "ordered" with "establishes" and this captures the intent of this scripture. To combine these thoughts we may say, the Lord establishes order for those who repent and seek to follow Him. This is a basic facet of Christian life that is repeated throughout the Scriptures. The Lord wants to bring order in our lives from the chaos wrought by sin.
We need to recognize sin as the cause of disorder and chaos in our lives. In a like sense, sin is the source for the legal, moral, and social anarchy which seems to be overrunning our society. In Galatians chapter 5, Paul speaks plainly on this...
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 KJV)
Paul is describing the moral and social anarchy gripping America. It is the result of the individuals' complete submission to the sinful nature of fallen man. It is revealed in society through murder, suicide, violent crime, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and immorality of every kind. These destructive forces seem beyond our control as they tear apart the fabric of our society. The United States imprisons a greater portion of our population than any other industrialized nation. We have laws which go unenforced while politicians call for more laws in a vain attempt to reestablish order in society.
No law of man will succeed in this.
When a person or a nation, turns away from God; sin will grow and work its destructive, chaotic power. In turn, the individual and by extension their society spirals out of control from the resulting moral anarchy. You need look no further than FOX News, CNN, or your local newspaper to see the result.
There is no peace, order, or hope for the individual or the nation, apart from the grace of God given through His son Jesus Christ.
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