Leadership Lessons: Order

When we have order in our lives, we have a solid foundation for leadership to be built upon. 

The Bible speaks clearly on the importance of order:

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. - Col 2:5-6

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. - 2 Thess 3:11

But be sure that everything is done properly and in order. - 1 Cor 14:40

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches. - 1 Cor 14:33

Order allows you to minimise your problems.

People with a number of problems live under unnecessary pressure. When we identify each problem, make a list, order according to importance, urgency, we will feel empowered, in control and able to tackle each problem systematically.

Getting organized is amongst the most empowering things you can do in life.

Be bothered to take the time to get organized, then stay organized.

Have steps to take with each problem, task, and dream. Follow the steps. Implement order. 

Even though a problem may be very large and overwhelming, when you approach 'one bite at a time' you will be surprised how quickly you will overcome it. What you thought was impossible suddenly appears possible.

Order is;

a. correct timing
b. correct sequencing – 1st 2nd 3rd...
c. correct placement of people and things
d. Not untidy, but clean, tidy
e. Moving at an orderly pace
f. Recognition of rank, honour and authority
g. Absence of chaos
h. Daily routine of work

Let all things be done decently and in order. - 1 Cor 14:40

Let's take a look at the meaning of the word ORDER: 

(or'-der) (`arakh, "to arrange"; tassein () diatassein, taxis, tagma)): "Order" in Biblical phrases may indicate
(1) arrangement in rows,
(2) sequence in time,
(3) classification and organization,
(4) likeness or manner,
(5) regulation, direction or command,
or (6) the declaring of a will.
In many passages it is difficult if not impossible to determine from the English text alone in which of these senses the word is used.

(International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Biblesoft, 1996)

To establish order in the church, commands are needed with people who will heed them.
For commands to be given there needs to be a commander.

Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” - Luke 9:14

A leader brings order to growth as a gardener to plants in a garden, through arrangement, placement, pruning, time for harvesting etc. As we organize people and require them to sit down in certain areas and ways, we will facilitate growth.

Lack of Order

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. - 2 Thessalonians 3:11

The 'disorderly' people in this scripture were not keeping to their place and getting out of rank. It is disorderly to do no work. These people disturb others as they wander around carrying news about everybody else to others.

Adam Clark's Commentary describes them as 'busybodies doing everything they should not do-- impertinent meddlers with other people's business; prying into other people's circumstances and domestic affairs; magnifying or minifying, mistaking or underrating everything; newsmongers and telltales; an abominable race, the curse of every neighbourhood where they live, and a pest to religious society.'

Those who did not keep their place or maintain their order in Scripture came to horrific ends. Uzziah was a King but attempted to also become a priest. He was struck with leprosy!

Let all things be done decently and in order. - 1 Corinthians 14:40

What Does Order Look Like?

Order is organization. 
It's everything having a time and a place. 

If we don’t understand this basic truth we will be constantly disadvantaged in life. There’s always a time to sow seed, and a time to reap.

Order is preparation.
Measure twice, cut once. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Preparation is about 60% of a job. Execution is about 40%, clean up is the other 20%. Factor these percentages into your tasks.

Order is sequence.
We want the end before the beginning, but we need to do the first things first, then second things.
Have a systematic approach to everything and you’ll accomplish twice as much in half the time.
So what if you get bored with it! Keep at it. It’s called persistence and consistency. This is the development of character which is trustworthiness, faithfulness, reliability.

Be methodical. One thing after another and you’ll get there.
Work first, play later. You're developing leadership inside you.