Order
In our house, ‘Dad knows best’ when it comes to loading the dishwasher. It might not be true, but it’s ‘the way we do things’ at home.
When our kids were younger and helped clear the table after a meal, they did not bother to put anything in the dishwasher, because they knew I would reorganise it (properly)!
I still get some weird satisfaction in making everything fit! It’s like the game of ‘Tetris’ with saucepans, plates and cups.
My ‘slight’ OCD doesn’t stop there (as those who know me will testify). I like to have the mugs the right way in the cupboard too. A few years ago, at our weekly church ‘Connect Group’ at home, somebody would secretly mess up the cupboard without me knowing!
These days I am aware of my ‘tidy freak’ traits, and I don’t take myself too seriously. Also, I do believe that part of the way I am wired, does reflect the character of God, as He is a God of order.
For example, when God created the heavens and the earth, He put in a rhythm of time, what we call days, so that there is order and structure to help us. After all, God does not need it, as He is outside of time.
In his letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul instructed them on how to run their church gatherings and said…
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…”
He said this as their gatherings were chaotic with people not co-operating with each other. I think Paul was after something a little bit deeper in them as well.
Paul saw how the transforming power of God brought an inner peace (or order) to people. We know that, because he wrote about ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,’ in his letter to the Philippians.
Paul was changed after his personal encounter with Jesus. His life was totally transformed and reordered.
There is something about God that brings disorder and chaos into peace and harmony. I believe that begins by having Jesus at the centre.
In my life, and in my experience as a Pastor, I have seen God bring real change, order and peace in me and in others. I have seen God deal with deep things and adjust priorities in people.
If you are in need of some reordering in your life, let me encourage you to ask the one who knows you and loves you for His divine help.
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader