Minor Morals
J. J. S. Bird. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Things cannot be done decently and in order — I. WITHOUT THOUGHTFULNESS. There is the thoughtfulness — 1. Of servants. 2. Of the feelings of others. A thousand times a day gentlewomen and polite men say and do things which wound by their thoughtlessness, because they don't consider the peculiarities of their neighbours. 3. Of our own reputation. Strange as it may seem, the best of people often do things which would be a matter of shame to persons in a lower state of life. II. WITHOUT CAREFULNESS. 1. In property. The waste which is allowed in all classes of house, holds is astonishing. Few can realise how great it is or how sinful its results. God allows nothing to waste. 2. In habit. Some make a point of keeping others waiting; they know nothing of punctuality. 3. In dress. It will not do to be carried away with the infatuation of fashion, nor to neglect due regard to comely appearance. 4. As to cleanliness. Not merely personal, but universal; in the home, in the street, in every detail of life. 5. With regard to debt, and the strict and just keeping of accounts. 6. About the waste of time. There should be a proper division of the duties of life, and a right use of the valuable opportunities God has given us. III. WITHOUT SELF-CONTROL. 1. Of evil feelings. Satan suggests evil thoughts, bitter sentiments. Even religious minds entertain religious and political animosities. 2. Of unseemly passions. Passions of lust must be checked; passions of anger and rage be kept in hand. 3. Of self-esteem. Proper self-esteem is valuable, but it may degenerate into pride, harshness, haughtiness, and a cruel, overbearing disposition. The various forms of egotism are numerous, and are neither lovely nor of good report. 4. Of actions. Many act from impulse, and so bring upon themselves untold misery which can never be rectified. Conclusion: These things are part of religion. We find them all brought before us in the example of Christ, and in the daily acts of His life. If we neglect to carry them out, we are not acting up to our religious profession, neither are we making the world better for our being in it. "Whatsoever things are honest, just, lovely, of good report, think on these things." (J. J. S. Bird.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let all things be done decently and in order. WEB: Let all things be done decently and in order.