There comes a time in life when we realize the importance of putting things in order, not only for ourselves but also for the loved ones we will one day leave behind. We want to make sure our affairs are in order, our wishes are understood, and our family will not be left struggling with unanswered questions or unnecessary burdens. Putting things in order is one way we can demonstrate our love and concern for those who will continue on without us. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” While this verse speaks specifically about order in the church, the principle reminds us that order brings clarity and peace. Just as we want to prepare our loved ones for the day when we are no longer here to help them, Jesus lovingly prepared His disciples for the day when He would no longer be physically present with them.
Jesus knew His disciples would face uncertainty, sorrow, persecution, and difficult decisions after His departure. He did not want them to feel abandoned or unprepared, so He gave them the instructions they would need to carry on. In John 14:16–18, He promised to ask the Father to give them another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and declared, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” He was putting things in order for their future, assuring them that although He would leave them physically, they would never be alone spiritually. He also taught them how to approach the Heavenly Father through prayer. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus began His model prayer with these words: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” He showed them that they could come to the Father with their needs, seek His will, ask for forgiveness, and trust Him for daily provision. Jesus was preparing them to live faithfully, even when they could no longer walk beside Him as they once had.
Jesus also instructed His followers on how they were to live and continue His work after He returned to the Father. In John 14:15, He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” In Matthew 28:19–20, He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. He did not leave them without direction; He gave them His Word, His promises, and the assurance of His presence. Most importantly, Jesus explained how they could have eternal life with Him. In John 14:2–3, He promised that He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to receive them unto Himself. In John 14:6, He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus was not merely preparing His disciples to live without His physical presence; He was pointing them toward the day when they would be with Him forever. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way of salvation possible for all who repent and place their faith in Him.
As we consider the importance of putting things in order for our loved ones, we should ask ourselves whether we are also preparing them spiritually. We may leave behind organized affairs, written instructions, and cherished possessions, but the greatest legacy we can leave is the example of a life that loved Jesus, trusted His Word, and followed His ways. We cannot make the decision of faith for our family members, but we can pray for them, teach them the truth, encourage them to seek the Lord, and show them by our example how to walk with Him. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 reminds us of Paul’s confidence as he approached the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” What a blessing it would be for our loved ones to remember not only what we left behind for them, but also the faith we lived before them. Let us put our earthly affairs in order, but above all, let us make sure our hearts are right with God and that we have pointed those we love toward Jesus, the only One who can prepare them for eternity and welcome them home to Heaven.
Hold Fast,
-Bren
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