Decency and Order in Divine Worship

Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Propriety demands three conditions: first, that things be done in their proper time; second, that they be kept to their proper use; third, that they be put in their proper place.

When Paul writes "decently," he means worship must not interrupt the gravity and dignity of assemblies. "In order" means not by hazard or impulse, but by design and arrangement. The apostle distinguishes the calm, simple majesty characterizing solemn assemblies—whether the Roman senate or the Athenian areopagus—from the frantic, enthusiastic ceremonies of illicit communities like the Bacchanalian or Phrygian orgies.

Paul had condemned discontinuance of the veil, the indiscriminate speaking of women, uncontrolled banquetting, and prophets interrupting one another. His principle endures: "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." This axiom explodes fanaticism and applies universally—every impulse of religious zeal must remain under strict control of those displaying it.

Dean Stanley observed that the wild gambols celebrated yearly at Easter by Greek Church adherents around the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem demonstrate what Eastern Christianity becomes without apostolic wisdom. Decency and order in Divine worship are not trivial matters. When applied to the highest things, small words carry great weight. The want of order defiles our whole religion. God Himself—seated in light inaccessible, surrounded by myriads of angels excelling in strength and wisdom—deserves reverent, orderly worship reflecting His majesty.