Orderliness versus Disorganization

This is WEEK 33 of the Character Development Series I am doing for 2012.  So glad you stopped by!  

It is not difficult for me to have this faith, for it is incontrovertible that where there is a plan there is intelligence – an orderly, unfolding universe testifies to the truth of the most majestic statement ever uttered – ‘In the beginning, God.’ – Arthur H. Compton

Orderly means:
1. having a systematic arrangement; neat
2. marked by or adhering to a system or method
3. Devoid of violence or disruption; peaceful

Synonyms for Orderly: arranged, methodic, neat,  precise, systematic
Antonyms for Orderly: complicated, disorderly, disorganized, untidy, chaotic

What the Bible Says About Being Orderly:
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
Proverbs 6: 6-8  Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander,no overseer or ruler,  yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Examples From The Bible:
The Story of Creation: describes the order and detail God put into the Creation of heaven and Earth
Noah: precise instructions given of how many and what kind of animals to place in the Ark
The Priests: precise instructions given of how to conduct worship and sacrifice
Gideon: Followed God’s precise instructions so 300 men could defeat 135,000 in battle  WOW!

The Example of Jesus To Us:
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand  (http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/luke/0605-wjd.html)
Jesus Used Flexibility But Also Set Limitations when Ministering (http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/01/jesus-the-lord-of-order.html)
1 Cor 12:12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

Personal Thoughts and Application:
It fascinates me to see the handiwork of God in creation:  the intricate designs and patterns, vibrant color combinations, and the precise detailed systems that work independently and with interdependency to sustain life.  As a physical therapist, I have dissected bodies and studied muscles, nerves, and organs in great detail….how amazingly designed the human body is!  This world is a fallen world of chaos and decay….but God did not originally design it to be so.  He is a God of order and purpose who designed this Earth in perfect harmony and balance.  There are so many amazing patterns, and parallels in God’s Word as well.  Just take a look at the meaning given to numbers in the Bible….And how the subject of mathematics also reflects a very intelligent Creator.
Knowing that God is a God of order and purpose, and yet full of mystery and surprise is quite exciting!  As Christians, we can search and study God’s Word and have God reveal such mysteries and order to us…It’s such an amazing WOW factor moment when something in scripture just leaps off the pages because you realize a connection spiritually  and/or an application to your own life.  As Christians, we can also strive to put order into our surroundings and routines that help us be more efficient and purposeful.  The more efficient and purposeful we are, usually the less stress we have as well, and our families benefit.  The Bible I read does not reflect reward for the lazy and slovenly person who does not apply him or herself.  God has work for us to do, a purpose for us to fulfill…and He also has the resources and tools we need to accomplish it.  So roll up your sleeves and apply yourself…at work, at home, in your study of the Scriptures, in your relationships, etc.  Allow God to help you put life in order according to His Will.

Prayer For You: May you find comfort that the order and precision found in creation reflects evidence of a Master Designer.  May you trust your own life to the plans and purposes of that Master Designer as well.  May you be blessed with the discipline of incorporating order into your daily routines and surroundings.

Additional Reading:
http://www.everystudent.com/wires/organized.html
http://www.communityofmindfulparents.com/character-corner-orderliness-musings-quotes-and-parenting-tips-from-wisdomcommons-org/

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