ORDER IN YOUR HOME

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40)

God created an ordered world. Adam was charged to “dress the garden and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15). When sin entered Eden, it ceased to be Paradise. The harmony in that holy place was lost and the world turned chaotic.

Our God is orderly. “The steps of a good man are ORDERED by the Lord” (Ps. 37:23). Order is simply the proper arrangement of priorities and things. What is the purpose of stop lights, speed limits, and yellow lines on the highway? They exist to keep order. Without these guidelines driving would be very dangerous. Imagine the highways without instructions and policemen to enforce the law. Without rules and authority there would be chaos on the roads.

Order is necessary for peace. God has charged you with the headship of your home. You have been given authority to govern your home. Authority means you have the responsibility to make decisions for others. By accepting your position and enforcing order, you will bring serenity to your household. A cluttered environment is a stressful environment. By organizing and placing items in “their place”, you are establishing a climate of calmness.

Order increases productivity. Your assignment on earth is far more than survival. God wants you to THRIVE! Because of the lack of discipline and initiative, fragmented cultures can barely feed themselves. You should cultivate a culture of accomplishment in your home. Tasks become attainable by dividing them into a process of small steps. It is rewarding to SEE the product of your hands. Through the years, our family has built three houses. I got motivated by reading a book in the public library—”Be Your Own Contractor and Save 35%!” Our budget demanded creativity, so I studied, planned, sought advice, and built our first home in an amazing 47 days. I would show up on site with a briefcase in hand. At first, the workers snickered at the briefcase, but nobody was laughing when we moved in less than two months later!

I discovered the steps of building, shopped for the best prices, qualified the subs, and planned every step in advance. My briefcase contained a folder for grading, the foundation, framing, electric, plumbing, roofing, etc. Two months of work produced a nice house that we could afford. By acting as the general contractor, we were able to live in a new and better home. Careful planning is key in building a house as well as a home.

Order creates stability. An ordered household helps balance your family mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Routines are essential to wellbeing.

Make meeting God in the Secret Place a PRIORITY!
Implement family devotions daily.
Plan your schedule so your family eats together at least once a day.
Set a bedtime for your children.
Select a church that reflects your beliefs and put your heart into it.
Assign duties to family members so they learn responsibility. Don’t make wimps out of your sons by neglecting to train them in practical matters.
Develop a daily, weekly, monthly, schedule to bring order into your life and the life of your family.

This chapter was written by Evangelist Harold Vaughan