Ordering Your Private World

1. Recognize the importance of ordering your private world

If my private world is in order, it will be because I am convinced that the inner world of the spiritual must govern the outer world of activity.

Outer vs. inner world. Our lives consist of two distinct realms: the outer, public world of work, relationships, and achievements, and the inner, private world of thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual life. While many focus on managing their public world, neglecting the private world can lead to a "sinkhole syndrome" where one's life collapses from within.

Consequences of neglect. Ignoring the inner world can result in:

• Burnout and exhaustion
• Loss of purpose and direction
• Inability to handle stress and pressure
• Deterioration of relationships
• Spiritual emptiness and lack of intimacy with God

Benefits of an ordered private world. Cultivating your inner life leads to:

• Greater resilience in the face of challenges
• Clearer sense of purpose and direction
• Improved relationships and leadership abilities
• Deeper spiritual connection and fulfillment
• Sustainable success and personal growth

2. Understand the difference between being driven and called

Driven people often possess a volcanic force of anger, which can erupt anytime he senses opposition or disloyalty.

Characteristics of driven people:

• Motivated by fear, insecurity, or need for approval
• Obsessed with accomplishments and status symbols
• Prone to burnout and relationship problems
• Often neglect spiritual and personal growth
• Struggle with anger and control issues

Qualities of called people:

• Motivated by a sense of purpose and divine guidance
• Focus on stewardship rather than ownership
• Maintain a balanced life and healthy relationships
• Prioritize spiritual growth and inner development
• Exhibit peace and resilience in the face of challenges

Transitioning from driven to called. To shift from being driven to called:

1. Confront your inner motivations and fears
2. Cultivate a sense of divine purpose in your life
3. Practice letting go of control and trusting God
4. Prioritize personal growth and spiritual disciplines
5. Seek mentorship and accountability in your journey

3. Manage your time effectively to avoid the "sinkhole syndrome"

Unmanaged time flows toward my weaknesses.

The sinkhole syndrome. Just as sinkholes form when underground support erodes, lives can collapse when the inner world is neglected. This often manifests as:

• Chronic stress and burnout
• Inability to prioritize effectively
• Feeling overwhelmed and out of control
• Neglecting important relationships and personal growth

Effective time management principles:

1. Identify and focus on your strengths
2. Learn to say no to non-essential commitments
3. Budget time for spiritual and personal growth
4. Establish clear priorities based on your values and calling
5. Create buffer time for unexpected challenges and opportunities

Practical time management strategies:

• Use a calendar to schedule important activities in advance
• Implement the "two-minute rule" for quick tasks
• Practice the Pomodoro Technique for focused work sessions
• Regularly review and adjust your commitments and goals
• Delegate tasks that don't align with your strengths or priorities

4. Cultivate intellectual growth for a well-ordered inner life

The mind must be pushed, filled, stretched, and forced in order to function.

Importance of mental development. A disciplined mind is crucial for:

• Making sound decisions and judgments
• Developing a Christian worldview
• Resisting cultural pressures and false ideologies
• Enhancing creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Growing in wisdom and understanding

Strategies for intellectual growth:

1. Develop a habit of regular reading
2. Engage in thoughtful discussions and debates
3. Pursue continuous learning through courses or self-study
4. Practice critical thinking and analysis
5. Cultivate curiosity and ask probing questions

Practical exercises for mental development:

• Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and experiences
• Memorize Scripture and important quotes
• Engage with diverse perspectives and challenging ideas
• Teach or explain concepts to others to deepen understanding
• Set aside time for focused study and reflection

5. Develop spiritual disciplines to strengthen your inner garden

The inner garden is a delicate place, and if not properly maintained it will be quickly overrun by intrusive undergrowth.

The concept of the inner garden. Our spiritual life can be likened to a garden that requires regular cultivation and care. Neglecting this inner space can lead to:

• Spiritual dryness and lack of intimacy with God
• Vulnerability to temptation and sin
• Inability to discern God's voice and guidance
• Loss of peace and joy in one's faith journey

Key spiritual disciplines:

1. Prayer and meditation
2. Bible study and Scripture memorization
3. Worship and praise
4. Fasting and self-denial
5. Service and acts of compassion

Practical steps for cultivating your inner garden:

• Establish a daily quiet time for prayer and reflection
• Create a Bible reading plan and stick to it
• Practice gratitude and thankfulness regularly
• Engage in corporate worship and fellowship
• Seek accountability and mentorship in your spiritual journey

6. Practice solitude, silence, and listening to deepen your faith

Silence and solitude have not come easily to me at all. I once equated them with laziness, inaction, and a lack of productivity.

The value of solitude and silence. In our noisy, busy world, intentional times of quiet and aloneness are essential for:

• Hearing God's voice more clearly
• Reflecting on one's life and priorities
• Recharging emotionally and spiritually
• Gaining perspective on challenges and decisions
• Deepening one's intimacy with God

Overcoming obstacles to solitude:

• Recognize the cultural bias against "unproductive" time
• Start with small increments of quiet time and gradually increase
• Create a designated space for solitude and reflection
• Use technology mindfully to reduce distractions
• Communicate the importance of this practice to loved ones

Practical ways to incorporate solitude and listening:

• Begin each day with a period of silence and prayer
• Take regular "technology fasts" to reduce noise and distraction
• Practice the spiritual discipline of journaling
• Go on periodic personal retreats for extended times of solitude
• Learn to listen actively in prayer, waiting on God's voice

7. Embrace Sabbath rest to restore order in your private world

We do not rest because our work is done; we rest because God commanded it and created us to have a need for it.

The biblical concept of Sabbath. More than just a day off, Sabbath is a divine invitation to:

• Cease from labor and productivity
• Reflect on God's goodness and provision
• Realign one's priorities and values
• Restore physical, emotional, and spiritual energy
• Cultivate gratitude and trust in God's sovereignty

Benefits of practicing Sabbath:

• Increased productivity and creativity in work
• Improved relationships and emotional well-being
• Deeper spiritual intimacy and connection with God
• Greater resilience in facing life's challenges
• A more balanced and fulfilling life overall

Practical ways to implement Sabbath rest:

• Set aside a consistent day or time each week for rest
• Create rituals or traditions that mark the beginning of Sabbath
• Engage in activities that are life-giving and restorative
• Limit technology use and work-related tasks during this time
• Use the time for reflection, worship, and connecting with loved ones

Last updated: November 19, 2024