Time for Some Organization




Scripture:

2Sam. 8:15   So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and equity to all his people. 16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; 17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; 18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.

Observation:

David was skilled in many ways, and this included administration. While he had been a warrior for many years, he was able to transition when life moved in a different direction. When all the fighting was over, David realized his focus would now be changed. Rather than leading a group of people in battle, he would be caring for his people. All of this required adapting to a new season, and a different type of leadership.

In these days David had to learn to organize and delegate the work that needed to be done in the kingdom. In doing this he set up sound systems that were able to meet the needs of the people, as well as opportunities to invest in leadership development. The new name in this list of leaders is Zadok. Later in life he goes on to become the sole high priest in Jerusalem and this role is passed on through his family for generations. 

Not only did David develop systems for long-term sustainability of the kingdom, but he infused those systems with justice. What David did was in the best interest of the nation and the people for whom he had become responsible. 




Application:

The joy of life is realizing that nothing is static. Every day we have the opportunity to grow and develop in new ways. If we don’t, we will find ourselves stagnant and spiritually, this becomes quite difficult. Our spiritual life cannot be divorced from our daily life in the flesh. We are one, whole, psycho-social-spiritual-physical being. Therefore there are times and seasons when we need to bring enhancement to these different spheres of our lives, or maybe some new organization. 

What’s our psychological health like these days? We are dealing with a lot of fear and anxiety in our world and it’s quite pervasive among the Christian community as well. We may not always feel comfortable talking about these needs but they are very real and there are times when we need to bring some organization into our lives for our own psychological health. Healthy boundaries in relationships, self-care, and counseling are all things that may help us to find some equilibrium and provide organization.

We are social beings and Wesley affirmed this in saying, “there is no holiness but social holiness.” Some have interpreted this to mean that we are to be engaged in a social gospel, which may be true on one hand, but in this case, he was talking about the importance of community and relationships. This spiritual journey is not one that we are encouraged to make on our own. There may be a need to intentionally organize our social lives. If it doesn’t come naturally, then we may even need some help. Did you know that often when a man loses his wife, he will become secluded and lonely because stereotypically, the women have helped to create the social system. What does creating a social system look like for us? Within the church family it probably includes some type of small group for accountability. Outside the church we need to find ways in which to relate to the world and people around us. 

Organization in our spiritual life is also necessary. Simply assuming that the church is going to provide all that we need spiritually will result in disappointment. Instead, we must take responsibility to build into our lives areas of organization and structure which can provide pathways for spiritual growth and development. 

The physical world can be represented in many different ways. Yes, we need to bring order to the care of our physical bodies, but we may also be called to bring order to the physical world which we manage. Far too often those in the work of the church find it easy to ignore the need for good administration. This can become the achilles heel of an excellent ministry and David provides us with an excellent model. It’s important to bring others around us who bring exceptional skills and abilities to the task. Always look for people who are far better at the job than you would ever be! Don’t be intimidated by those who are better than you, instead, find ways to release them, setting them free to use their God-given skills in ways which we could never imagine. 

Good organization will always have an eye to investment in the future. One of our greatest joys in life ought to be watching those who come behind us succeed. 

Finally, everything we do must be done with justice. We must be fair and just in our transactions and the ways in which we treat others. This includes transparency and accountability for only then can others see that we have been just in our dealings. Love God and love others, putting the needs of others before our own. 

Is this a new season that needs a different level of organization? Embracing growth means being stretched in new and different ways that lead us to re-examine and adjust how we have been doing life. 

Prayer

Lord, please give me a pliable heart and life so that I may live in service to you. Amen. 

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