Put Things in Order

 Matthew 28: 16-20; II Corinthians 13: 11-13

 Both of these passages are closing remarks. Matthew 28 has the last remarks of Jesus as he commissions the disciples to make disciples of all nations. Our II Corinthians passage is Paul’s final closing words to the Corinthian church. Paul has kept the command Christ left the disciples since he has been on many a missionary trip preaching the gospel to many nations including the Gentiles whom salvation is now offered.

The Corinthian church, however, is struggling. There are disputes and antagonism between church members. How can this church glorify Christ and be a witness to the world? In order to do so they need to get their spiritual lives together as Paul puts it, “Put things in order.” Interestingly enough the Greek word for this is a synonym of the Greek word for “to perfect.” The Corinthians were not on the road to perfection, so Paul tells them to put things in order, one being the love of one another. Paul appeals to them to agree with one another, live in peace so the God of love and peace will be with you. Instead of antagonism greet one another with a holy kiss – one which is honest and pure. My church tradition is big on hugs.

In modern language Paul may say, “Get your act together so we can carry out Christ’s great commission.” Other than making disciples, Christ in our Matthew passage tells them to teach others to obey everything I have commanded you. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians are full of teaching expounding on the teachings of Christ. One of these is love of neighbor as yourself. In I Corinthians 13 Paul fleshes out what this agape – unconditional love looks like. These argumentative Corinthians need to take note of this and his other instructions of how to live into a perfect Christian life empowered by the Spirit. Paul closes his second letter to them reminding them of the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and how they are in communion with the Holy Spirit.

Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that we need to put things in order in our spiritual lives. We need to strive for love and peace so we can carry out the closing remarks of Christ in the Great Commission. Amen

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