Conquering Chaos
As we see throughout Scripture, the stamp of God’s intelligent design appears on more than just His creation. In addition to the creative structure and imagery in the poetry that comprises roughly one-third of the Bible, research has identified over 6,000 verses that demonstrate the methodical nature of His character.
Some of these are descriptive, portraying seasonal patterns, authority structures, the complex beauty of creation, and glimpses of perfection in Heaven.
Others are prescriptive, such as detailed instructions for the temple, corporate worship, military campaigns, and all the laws and ordinances (notice the root connection to order here).
God is a God of Order
From the pre-creation void through the evil one’s ongoing subversion, the redemptive power of God has been at work producing order from anarchy and beauty from devastation.
As Christ’s body, we extend His ministry by continuing to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19).
His Church is an expression of His character. From board business to resource cupboards to discipleship training, everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Falling Short
Have you considered that failure to reflect God’s orderly character causes us to “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)?
I have always regretted the loss of a large family from our church due to our youth leader’s weakness in this area. He would promise our students an exciting event, and they would show up with their friends, only to find that he had nothing prepared, so the evening became another random “gym night.”
Though God can still work through our failures, His glory was not on full display in this situation. You may be thinking of areas in your life or ministry where this is also the case.
Intentional Design
The good news is that God has shared with us His nature as well as many examples and instructions for orderly living. Our role is to represent Him by carrying these out in our lives and ministry. If you find 16,000 verses a little overwhelming, let’s consider the creation of a Lego® model as an example. Notice three consistent elements in both.
1. Strategic Systems
Most everything begins with a plan, whether a multi-level building project or nature’s simplest organism. This word shares a root with a term I hesitate to use: organize. If your chest is tightening with images of items neatly arranged by rainbow color and alphabetized, take a breath. A system doesn’t need to be complicated or even tidy. It is simply a process that will achieve a desired result (e.g., a Lego® model).
2. Clear Communication
If you want others to understand and participate in your system, they will need you to communicate with them.
Begin with an overview of the purpose and desired result, the way a Lego® instruction booklet shows the finished model and a brief description on the cover.
Outline any standard guidelines or policies
Offer step-by-step instructions using words and examples.
Unlike the booklet, you get to check in along the way to encourage or reevaluate.
3. Faithful Execution
Once the first two elements are in place, it becomes a joy to follow the system, just as building the model is the fun part.
Faith & Finance Perspective
We also have the privilege and responsibility to represent God’s orderly nature in our homes and families. Parenting, budgeting, maintaining household schedules and even meal preparation all rely on the three steps of organization, communication and execution.
How are you displaying God’s glory in these areas?
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. - 1 Corinthians 14:33
Lynn Sloan, the “Order Coach,” has created the Guided Game Plan to help church leaders and laypeople order their ministries, households, and personal lives. Learn more at theordercoach.com.
Photos by Robin Sather, Brickville DesignWorks. Used with permission.