Have you ever heard someone say, “I need to get my house in order”? Maybe it was your mom reminding you to clean your room, or maybe it was your teacher telling you to study for a test. But what does it really mean to “get your house in order”?
In the Bible, this phrase has a deeper meaning than just tidying up your room. It is about preparing yourself for something important that is coming up. Just like getting ready for a big party by cleaning your house and putting on your best clothes, getting your house in order in the Bible means making sure you are ready to meet God. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about “getting your house in order.”
What Does God Say About Getting Your House in Order?
- Taking Responsibility
The most prominent reference to the phrase comes from the book of 2 Kings, where the prophet Isaiah delivers a message to King Hezekiah:
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your affairs in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.'” (2 Kings 20:1)
The importance of taking personal responsibility for our lives and ensuring our affairs are in order before death. While this verse addresses physical death, it also serves as a metaphor for preparing our spiritual lives for the ultimate judgment.
- Stewardship and Order
The concept of “house” in the Bible extends beyond physical structures. It encompasses our lives, families, communities, and responsibilities. God calls us to be faithful stewards of everything entrusted to us, living with intention and purpose.
The book of Proverbs offers several verses highlighting the importance of order and good management:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
“Do your work outside; finish your fields; afterward build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)
These verses explain the value of planning, prioritizing, and working diligently to manage our resources and responsibilities wisely.
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- Spiritual Growth and Preparation
Beyond practical matters, “getting your house in order” also applies to our spiritual lives. The Bible calls us to continually grow in our faith and knowledge of God. We are to cultivate a relationship with him, seek his guidance, and walk in his ways.
The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians:
“See to it that you walk in wisdom and not in foolishness, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” (Colossians 4:5)
This encourages us to use our time wisely and invest in our spiritual growth, preparing ourselves for challenges and uncertainties.
- Readiness for the Second Coming
The Bible also speaks of a future event called the Second Coming of Christ, where he will return to judge the living and the dead. While the exact timing is unknown, believers are encouraged to be ready for his return:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
Getting your house in order here includes aligning our lives with God’s will, living righteously, and sharing the message of salvation with others.
How Do You Get Your House in Order?
- Cultivate a strong relationship with God
This is the foundation for everything else. Spend time in prayer and meditation, read and reflect on scripture, and seek guidance from a pastor or mentor. As you grow closer to God, He will reveal areas where you need to make changes and give you the strength to do so.
- Confess your sins and seek forgiveness
Holding onto unconfessed sin can create barriers between you and God. Take time to reflect on your actions and confess any wrongdoing to God and those you have wronged. Seeking forgiveness and making amends allows for healing and reconciliation.
- Live according to God’s will
This means aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with God’s principles. Ask yourself, “What would God have me do in this situation?” and strive to follow His guidance.
- Prioritize your spiritual growth
Just like any other area of your life, your spiritual life requires ongoing effort and dedication. Invest time in studying the Bible, attending church services, and participating in spiritual activities that nourish your soul.
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation
Holding onto anger and resentment can be detrimental to your spiritual and emotional well-being. Choose to forgive those who have wronged you, even if they don’t deserve it. This doesn’t mean forgetting what happened, but it does mean choosing to let go of the negativity and move forward.
- Make wise financial decisions
Be responsible with your finances and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt. Create a budget, track your spending, and seek professional advice if needed. Remember, money is a tool that God has entrusted to us, and it is important to use it wisely.
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What Does the Bible Say About Taking Care of Your Own House First?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of taking care of your own house first before taking care of others. In 1 Timothy 3:5, it says, “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” This verse reminds us that we need to take care of our own responsibilities before we can take care of others.
Another example is found in Proverbs 24:27, which says, “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” This verse encourages us to prioritize our work and responsibilities before building a house or taking on additional tasks.
Taking care of your own house first also involves being responsible with your finances. In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus tells a parable about a man who wants to build a tower but first needs to count the cost. This parable reminds us to be wise with our resources and to plan ahead before taking on any financial commitments.
Conclusion
Getting your house in order might sound tedious, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s more like a fun adventure with your best friend, Jesus. As you learn more about God and how to live a good life, you’ll discover that you’re ready for anything that comes your way.