Baptist City Blog

Leviticus 22:31

A society that has no laws is a society that is filled with chaos. The foundation of rule and order are laws and the enforcement of those laws. An organization that has no rules is an organization that is bound for failure. You must have laws, rules or commandments to keep rule and order. In the verse above, there are several principles taught that will help keep rule and order.

First, there must be commandments to keep order. God says, “Therefore shall ye keep my commandments…” For some reason we have criticized churches, families, individuals and even organizations and cities that have commandments that they expect to be followed. We have to understand that everybody has some sort of commandments by which they live. The difference is that some choose to have commandments that keep one further from the line of destruction than others. Just because someone has more commandments than you doesn't make them a bad person. You will never have order without commandments.

Second, everyone must know the commandments. How can you keep something that you don't know? It is just as important for everyone to know what the commandments are as it is to having them. You cannot keep order when people don't know the rules. I believe it’s important for organizations to annually go through their rules so that those involved will know what is expected. Ignorance of the established rules is no excuse. It is your responsibility to find out what is expected of you.

Third, commandments must be guarded so they do not change. The word “keep” means to guard. Always remember that commandments have been set in place for a reason. We oftentimes think that rules are out-of-date, but what I have found is that established rules are relevant for every generation. People will be people no matter what generation they may be; therefore, the commandments that keep order are important to be guarded against change. Don't think you need to change the commandments because we live in a different day.

Fourth, commandments must be obeyed. God says about the commandments, “…and do them…” There is no purpose in having commandments if you are not going to enforce them. I constantly talk to pastors who are having issues in their Christian schools, and one of the things I always ask is how closely do they follow the rule book. In every case they admit that they have become lax in their rule enforcement. You cannot have order without enforcing the rules. Rules must be obeyed, and anything short of that must be punished. If leadership is not going to enforce the rules, they need to be relieved of their position. If followers don't follow the rules, they need to be punished.

The key to these four principles being followed is to keep the source of all commandments in view: the LORD. When you keep your eyes on the LORD then you will find it easier to establish and enforce the commandments because you will want to please Him. Always remember that if you want order in your home, organization, church or society, then there must be commandments and all of them must be obeyed.