ORGANIZATION
Character Tour 7 of 8
December 2, 2007
mikematijevich
mmatevich@aol.com

Intro:
* When I say organization what comes into your mind?
- Some say, "Yes that is how to live- organized, compartmentalized, order… yes!"
- Some say, "Oh no, I like to fly by the seat of my pants, that's the way I am wired."
Today Moses… had a bout with organization.
* Maybe you are facing some tough times with this subject- you just can’t get it together.
You feel like your life is in disarray- your house is a wreck, office is a mess, (garage) etc.

* We all get a little messy, BUT our God is a God of ORDER!
Our God is not CAPRICIUS, not CHAOTIC, He is together…
* The CREATION screams of His organization.

A. When God talked to Moses on Mt. Sinai- He didn't give him some RANDOM SUGGESTIONS.

B. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray in Matthew 6
- Did Jesus say, "Just say whatever comes to your mind…"

Moses dealt with ORGANIZATION FRUSTRATION…
* Remember "organization"- "is a decision based on a process".
Today we will see a four word process of order & organization:

1. Realize- (Moses realized he needed some serious help) (We need help)

Ex. 18:13-16 "What & Why" (asks Jethro)
A. (18:13-14) Good question to ask ourselves- What & why are you doing _____________?
1. What are you doing in your relationships (marriage, family, children, career?)
B. (18:15-16) Moses logic was that was the way it always had been- God sent ME
1. We do the same thing - we get out of our AREA of GIFTEDNESS & EFFECTIVENESS
- Then we start to hydroplane.
Note: Moses was dealing with two organizational INTRUDERS that we all deal with…
a. MINUTE MUGGERS (1440 min. each day)
b. PRIORITY PROWLERS (don't have to pray about your priorities… in the bible…) - Clearly revealed #1 God; #2 Spouse; #3 Children… then others
Note: What was Moses priority?
To lead, cast the vision, point person but so messed up with the Muggers & Prowlers that he missed what God wanted him to do.
* Realize- wake up and realizes you need help.

2. CRITICIZE - (yourself) Open up to others input - constructive criticism (earn the right)
A. (18:17-19a) Last time I checked death stats are astounding- 1 for 1 (one blood clot, away)
1. We all have an appointment with death- one of two places.
God will do a TIME AUDIT- give an account (Imagine yourself there?)
Note: We need to criticize ourselves & open ourselves up to others.
But when we do we want hang out with those that will "good" on us.

3. MINIMIZE - (1st we realize, them criticize- then minimize our tasks) (18:19-23)
A. What are you NOT doing today that you were doing a year ago?
1. What you are NOT doing is as important as what you are doing
NOTE: Great difference makers are great ELIMINATORS- we must be constant eliminators.
2. What are you NOT doing in your marriage that you were- & tell me why what you are not doing is affective?
3. In your job? What you are not doing is making you effective?
NOTE: We have to learn to say NO to more things. (not the best things Church, bible study, etc)
(18:19-21) What can ONLY you do that put the ball through the hoop for your business, family, children? How have you gotten freer to serve the Lord?
(18:22-23)
Principle: the less you do the more you accomplish. (Less is more) (Delegate)

4. ACTUALIZE - our priorities 18:24 the most IMPORTANT stuff (we hit the Sweet Spot)

Conclusion:
A. KNOW YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES- your priorities are you NON-NOEGOTIABLES. (in the bible)
1. Mt 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God first…"
a. Whenever you make a choice - relationally, vocationally, spiritually, filter it through the Word. (I am seeking God first- purpose driven)

B. KNOW YOUR RHYTHMS - (what yours?)
1. Are you at your best in the morning? Do the hardest stuff then
a. When you weak do the lesser things…
1 Cor. 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order." (a military term, by rank, order)
* Why do we have so much disorder? Why is our world out of control?
- Sin is the problem & we have bought into the lie it is all about the STUFF.

C. KNOW SPONTANEITY & CREATIVITY EMERGES FROM ORGANIZATION -

Now that's the process to have organization…
* REALIZE * CRITICIZE * MINIMIZE * ACTUALIZE…
KNOW your non-negotiables; KNOW your rhythms; KNOW SPOTANEITY
BUT I left a MAJOR point out of the message!
"Organization"= is a decision followed by a PROCESS."
* The process is a pipe-dream if you haven't made THE DECISION ---
No way to have order until - you ENTER INTO "ORDER"- the salvation plan.

You have to make the DECISION to trust Christ as your Savoir!