Out of Order

Proverbs 1:1-7

Doing all things “decently and in order” applies to a lot more areas than theology. It’s remarkable how many guys who have the ability to articulate the most exacting details and nuances of their area of expertise never get their desks cleared off or their workrooms organized. They’re brainy enough to rebuild some complex engine, but the trash under the kitchen sink can overflow until it’s ankle deep, and they aren’t even aware of it. Isn’t it amazing how many men have quiz-kid heads and pigpen habits?

And it’s not limited to the male species. Some women have the toughest time just keeping a path clear from the front door to the den. I heard last week about a gal who was such a lousy housekeeper that Good Housekeeping canceled her subscription! She must have been a friend of Erma Bombeck. She’s the one who admitted that her cupboard shelves were lined with newspapers that read “MALARIA STOPS WORK ON THE CANAL.” Of course, it’s possible to become a “neatness neurotic.” Like the fastidious wife of that poor fella who got hungry and got out of bed for a midnight snack. When he came back to bed, she had it made.

Truthfully, however, most of us don’t struggle with being too orderly. Our problem is the other side of the coin. And the result is predictable: We burn up valuable energy and lose precious time.

Stop and think that over. Maybe a few questions will help prime the pump of self-analysis:

Do you often lose things?
Are you usually late for appointments and meetings?
Do you put off doing your homework until late?
Are you a time waster . . . like on the phone or with TV?
Are you prompt in paying bills and answering mail?
How many unfinished projects do you have lying around?
Does your desk stay cluttered? How about the tops of tables and counters?
Can you put your hands on important documents right away?
Do you have a will? Is it in a safe place?
Can you concentrate and think through decisions in a logical manner?

We’ll talk some more about this tomorrow. For now, think about this: Spending what it takes to become a little more efficient is an investment that pays rich dividends. When we are reluctant to do so, our lives are marked by mediocrity, haphazardness, and disorder.

Time spent on the right things is never wasted.