Set Thine House In Order

Charles G. Maples

Many times we have planned, and made arrangements for expected guests, sometimes having weeks, or even months, to set things in order. But how many times have you suddenly learned that otherwise unexpected visitors are to arrive in a very short time? You rushed around to "set the house in order," to tidy up things. Even if you manage to get things looking "decent", chances are that you are not nearly so pleased to invite your guests in when they arrive, as when you had been forewarned earlier, and therefore had more time to "get ready."

BUT THAT IS NOT THE HOUSE OF WHICH WE ASK!

Although we cannot expect God to give us a special warning, as He did Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1), He is, in His Word, warning us to set our spiritual house in order. He shows us what it means to be ushered into eternity, either prepared or unprepared, in Luke 16. Lazarus had made proper preparations, and was at rest "in Abraham's bosom," while the rich man had failed to "make ready," and therefore awoke in flaming torment!

So many of us have things "deranged" in our spiritual houses: Envy, strife, bitterness, etc. have moved into our hearts, crowding out the "furnishings" of love, forgiveness, sober thinking, meekness, etc. Still others, through unfaithfulness, indicate they are not really concerned about the appearance of their spiritual house. And, of course, there are so many, many others, some of whom will read this, who have made no preparation at all - they have not obeyed the gospel of our Savior! (See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Stop! Take a good look at your spiritual house. The Lord will return without warning, as found in His word, and then you will find that it is too late to "straighten up things!" Have you obeyed the gospel? Are YOU living faithfully to Christ? Would you be happy to have Christ come and find your spiritual house in its present condition? If not, then why do you wait?

"Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." Do it Now!

(Taken from "The Instructor", February 1985, Volume 22, Number 2.)