The Difference Between Organization and Discipline

A couple of years ago, I read a line in a book called Big Idea by Dave Ferguson.  In this book, he lays out how his staff handles a logistical nightmare in how they plan.  The way their church organizes around one thought and gets so much accomplished requires a ton of work.  When I read it, I was a little discouraged because I thought I could never do something like that.

I changed my mind when I read a line where he said something to the effect of: “You probably think our staff is organized.  We are not.  Most of our staff is not naturally organized.  But we are disciplined.”

That line resonated with me.  I am not an organized person by nature.  For most of my life, I have been a procrastinator.  But when more and more ministry opportunities arose for me in the last few years, I had a decision to make.  I could either just get by with what I could get done on my limited organizational abilities, or I could resolve to discipline myself to do something great.

What does that mean for me?

  • I set up detailed calendars with reminders of stuff I have to do (I don’t want to chance that I will remember)
  • I make to-do lists of tasks at work, home, etc. (when I check them off, there is a sense of completion and closure)
  • I set up a devotional reading schedule
  • I try to handle a piece of paper only once
  • If I can’t handle something right then, I email myself to make sure I will remember
  • I set up milestones of projected dates of completion for certain projects
  • I set up my calendar weekly to project what I can get done with the office time I have

Those are just a few things I have to do to help my disorganized self.  Be disciplined today to do something for the Kingdom!

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