Several days ago, we had a discussion regarding order and the importance of a lifestyle consistent with time dedicated to God for prayer, meditation, reflection, etc. I began by asking the question, what did you do today? Can you say that your day was prosperous beyond the areas of life, health and strength? Where the goals set in your mind accomplished today? Did you make time in your life for the Lord? I mean a space of quality time, specifically dedicated to you and the Lord. In essence, did you place your order?
When things are in order priorities are set in their proper arrangement. Sort of like when leaving your home, you must get in the car first before starting it; it's a must. Likewise, it's uncommon for people to walk around with their undergarments on top of their clothes; it's not a part of our culture. Usually you get a pay check after working a specific period of time: that's just how it works. With each of these simple practices we may abort thought to how things would be if they were not achieved in the way that we know them. We've grown and accepted the notion that these are common procedures that we experience on a day to day basis, like second nature.
The bible speaks of how God does things decent and in Order. It is strange, however; how we sometimes try to find ways around, over, above, and under that notion. It is a principle highly overlooked by Christians today. We find excuses to supplement our disobedient actions. For instance, a smoking hot topic on any day, especially for Christian women, is the husband as the head of the home. The whole idea of allowing the standards set by the world to water down the gospel in hopes of building larger churches. The examples for the lack of honor, fear and reverence for God is more rampant than I've ever seen. Ever wonder why? I would be willing to propose that some of the blame falls on us as Christians neglecting to invest in our own individual relationship with God.
For some time now we as a people have lived in a free-for- all order less life. We have abandoned this lifestyle called relationship which ideally involves two people, you and God. We have substituted prayer and fasting for watching the TV evangelists, twitter, MySpace, face book, whoever, whatever that's new. As Christians we have put all of our growth on the responsibility of Pastors or whoever your spiritual overseer may be. We have grown accustomed to having every minute of our day allotted to do something else.
When we get to know the ways of God personally, we are familiar with His features, characteristics, mannerisms, etc. We know this because we live a life dedicated to maintaining a sense of order which provides priority for Him. Therefore, when we are confronted to make a choice on rather to be a part of things that deny the ways of God, we are less incline to please man. Do you know that God will give us directives for some of the simplest things if we commune with Him regularly? In short, if we express genuine interests in God, then He reciprocates those same interests. It's wonderful to go to church. In fact, it's a command that we forsake not the assembly of ourselves . However that cannot substitute for one on one time with God either.
Have you ever had to get dressed around a lot of people, maybe those that you were even familiar with? Despite that fact, you still exercise a bit of reservation about how it's done. You typically aren't as comfortable. On the other hand, at home, you can be less reserved or constrained about making sure that no one has a chance to see those areas that you like to stay private, like weight. Do you know that when you function under the influence of order and spend that intimate time with God, He won't judge you despite what your hidden concerns may be? I love that about God. After all, it really makes sense to make time for the one who created us. Imagine the success we would have as mothers, sisters, wives, professionals, singers, friends, etc. if we all communed with God on a daily basis. Imagine even more so the failures we face when we do not. It’s an unpopular principle to endorse because everybody is busy, busy, and even more busy.
In the world of Education most disciplines especially the sciences and mathematics all function based on principles of Order. Order is indeed a much neglected but necessary ordinance designed by God since the beginning of time. Just look at Genesis and how Creation was performed. I believe that it was significant to God then and it is just the same today.
What are you thoughts on this whole concept about order? Do you recognize that your time could be better spent? Or are you doing a fairly good job spending quality time with God? Have you been able to recognize the negative repercussions that this has had on our society? Are you able to recognize the benefits of maintaining a lifestyle of order and priority with God? Do you know that blessings are always in Order?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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My attempt to keep my thoughts condensed!
ReplyDeleteThe dictionary says that order is 'A condition of methodical or prescribed arrangement among component parts such that proper functioning or appearance is achieved', and I am inclined to agree with that assessment. God placed order in our lives because he wants us to be able to function properly as He designed, He just cares that deeply for us. Personally, knowing what the 'order' of something is, gives me a sense of boundaries, which causes me to know how to approach different things in life. For example, if I never learned the steps to tie my shoes in order, then my shoes would come off my feet all the time. Therefore, I think that knowing & following God's order guarantees our success in every aspect of our life.
Most definitely, I can see the negative repercussions of disorder in our society. Our society has a skewed eye view of God's order of things. Since man wants to be a know-it-all, he tries to outsmart God, and invent ways to change God's natural order of things. As a result, our society has become a demoralized nation, with no values or self-respect.
In addition, there are many benefits to maintaining a lifestyle of order, and priority with God. One of them made prevalent to me recently is realizing that the God that I serve is omniscient. Knowing that God's will and order for your life are perfect (Rom. 12:2), there is a sustaining peace in your life. Since God's will is always in order, then whatever he sees fit to do is in order, and is done to our benefit.
Great topic & great responses.
ReplyDeleteOrder is a method that we cannot get around whether we are operating in a uniform manner or functioning is a disorganized way. I found out that there is a contrast to everything that that God ordained. There is he right way of doing things and then there is the wrong way of doing things. If there is a left, there will be a right, up, down and so on. The point is God has designed us to be free moral agents who have been given the option to live our natural and spiritual lives according to God's divine order.
The Word of God reads in I Cor. 14:33 that God is not the author of confusion. Which means that if there is disorder or confusion in our lives, then God must not be the “Lord” over that area in our lives. Short story, I had the most difficult time submitting whole heartedly in some marital areas when I first married. And every time I fought against God's Will in that area, I could see the immediate result of my disobedience. As a result, by spending more intimate time with the Lord, He soothingly reminded me of His word AND is His promises to me and I was delivered from my stubbornness in that area.
The bible says in Pro. 14:1 that a wise woman buildeth her house but a foolish one plucks it down with her hands. Strong stuff here but this is how the enemy defeats so many of us saints. he creates disorder by luring us to operate contrary to God's Will for our lives.
When we humbly accept God's plan for our lives, ordered is created and His blessings follow.
Treasurer
So enjoyed this thought-provoking message on order. You gave me much to think about as far as spending time in fellowship with the Lord, not as an after-thought but a priority.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping it real and being a light in a dark world.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
Hello saints! I telling someone that u can still be obedient to God and ur pastor at the same time. Because God always makes provision for those that hear and serve him.
ReplyDelete