Clutter or Self-Control, Order or Disorder?

Written in 2015 before a move... 
 
We're moving next month so you can imagine I'm busy.

Having moved 23 times in my married life, I enjoy the challenge but hate the mess.

Several days ago, every room in my house was in packing-box confusion. So I stopped packing for several hours and organized the chaos. When I did, my mood immediately changed. 

Research shows that clutter causes stress and lowers productivity.

When we allow our homes, relationships, finances, spiritual disciplines, or work to get messy or disorganized, we aren't doing ourselves any favors. 

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and without it we become poor stewards of time, money, and opportunities.

Although the following verse was written about worship, it reveals a characteristic of God, in Whose image we're made. It explains our need for peace and order: “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33   

We can't control all areas of disorder in our lives. Sometimes life's transitions such as moving cause necessary chaos. And sometimes God interrupts our days for His purposes.

But when we do our work for the Lord, we must prioritize important things and deny selfish or lazy attitudes (Colossians 3:23).

Take time today to identify areas where your life is cluttered, disorganized, or chaotic, and pray for God's help in doing something about it. 

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For more on this subject, see Clutter Tolerance and I'm Too Busy.