God is a God of Order

Photo Credit:  Brett Jordan, Unsplash

I Corinthians 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.

Translators have a certain latitude when it comes to translation.  In other words, “truck” could be defined as a pickup, dualie, 4-wheeler, semi, or perhaps even by manufacturer name.  When translating from the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, translators make those judgment calls, sometimes in committees with extensive notes.

So when I Corinthians 14:33 is translated, some use the word “confusion”; some use the word “disorder”.

In reality, the two are related.  Where there is disorder there is confusion.

There can be disorder in various ways:  in a church, household, family or individual life.

There can be disorder in the body of Christ, where one part of the body tries to play the part of another part of the body.

There are many ways to approach the topic of disorder.  There can be disorder in a sports team, where players are not working in unity.  There can be disorder on a medical staff.

For purposes of this post, the topic will center around disorder|order on an everyday basis.

Much more can accomplished the more perfectly you can order your environment and day.

Another word for “ordering” a day would be walking in a certain “way” and the Bible has many verses about way(s), path(s), and pathways.  Here are a few.

(KJV) Psalm 25:1  Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth….

This is intended to be extremely practical on a day-to-day basis.  While it is recognized that this could also apply to “enemies” in other considerations, this will be about day-to-day “enemies” in disorder, for example, strugging to find what you need when you need it, or forgetting to pack something that you need for a trip, or forgetting to take your passport to the airport.

This will only be an outline, a lot more could be said, perhaps at some other time.  But for now, here are a few helpful points.

First of all, recognize that organization, like nutrition, is somewhat unique to each individual.  If you read various books on organization or listen to various organizational teachers, this becomes apparent.   One size does not fit all.  So find the system that works best for you.  These are some general tips and taylor them to what works for you.

1.  Do it now.    Whatever it is, do it now.  If you think of it, do it now, or as much as you can, right now.  In other words, if you remember you need to call someone Monday, and it is Saturday, at least write a note in a way that you won’t forget.  If it is coming to mind, there is a reason.  Deal with it now, whatever it is, now.
2. If you have the same problem more than once, figure out why and deal with it.  Don’t keep having the same issue day after day.  Not necessary.  If it is a family or group-related thing, figure out how to solve it.  Get together.  Find the best solution.  Implement it.  Yes, that takes time to get everyone together to do this, but once you find a solution, your daily/weekly time wasted dealing with that problem over and over will disappear.   And if it is a group thing, there is accountability, and that  really is better for everyone.  Everyone becomes better as they become accountable, even if it is a voluteer organization.
3. If you can’t figure it out, find someone who can.   There is someone who can give you an idea that you might not be able to think of on your own, simply because you may not have the experience or background necessary.   Read a book.  Find someone with skills you don’t have and barter skills.  If you absolutely are stuck, it is worth it to pay someone who can easily do what you find difficult to do.  There is no shame is saying, this is not my skill set.   There is no point in staying stuck.   Someone can easily do what you find difficult to do, or can at least teach you a few skills to make your life easier.
4. Give away or sell what you don’t need.   You will find a simplified life is a more peaceful life.  Recognize that some things are needed for a season, but perhaps you no longer are in a certain line of work, or have moved, or for any number of reasons, no longer need certain objects.  When they are out of your life, you life will be simpler.