Caught in a Golden Cage

Chapter 3 of "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordan MacDonald begins dealing with the subject of motivation.

In this chapter he talks about the difference between being driven and being called. There are countless driven people doing very good things. But unless they are doing the things they are called to do they are not doing that which is very best, for themselves and for those around them.

Included in this chapter is a list of eight symptoms of a driven person.

1. A driven person is most often gratified only by accomplishment.
2. A driven person is preoccupied with the symbols of accomplishment.
3. A driven person is usually caught in the uncontrolled pursuit of expansion.
4. Driven people tend to have a limited regard for integrity.
5. Driven people often possess limited or undeveloped people skills.
6. Driven people tend to be highly competitive.
7. A driven person often possesses a volcanic force of anger.
8. Driven people are usually abnormally busy.

It is all too easy to become caught in the golden cage of accomplishment and yet find that within that cage there is nothing that lasts.

The View From the Bridge - Chapter 2 of "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordan McDonald

The story is told of a submarine navigating crowded waters. Because of the number of other vessels in the water, the submarine had to make many twists and turns to avoid collision. The captain, who had been in his cabin, came onto the bridge to see why there was so much unusual activity. Looking around, he asked the duty officer if all was well. Receiving the assurance from the officer that everything was ok, he looked around, said "it looks ok to me too." and went back to his cabin. Because of the many hours of training and practice in proper procedure, his crew knew how to handle whatever circumstances came their way. And after a quick look from the bridge, the captain could see that all was under control and was able to go back to his own duties with the confidence that all would be well.

What is view when I look from the bridge of my life? Is all in order? Have I taken the time to establish the necessary order in my private world to withstand the sudden twists and turns so often encountered in life?

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

The Sinkhole Syndrome

Ok, I said my goal was to write about one chapter a day. It is now four days later and I'm just now writing about the second chapter. I'm thinking I need some order somewhere.

Scientists say sinkholes are caused when they underlying support of underground streams dries up, causing the surface to collapse.

In the same way each of us has within us and inner space, a private world, that must be maintained if we are to stay strong under the pressure of life.

In many ways it seems easier to deal with our public, or outer world. Our education, our work, our homes, our play all these things are relatively easy to maintain in such a way as to look as if all is well. At least for a time. Until the pressure becomes too great. Then, if our private worlds have not been attended too, the collapse begins and a sinkhole forms, beginning to pull all the trappings of the outer world down into it.

But when our private, inner world is being regularly attended too, their is a support beneath the surface of our lives that bears the weight of the outer, public world, giving firm ground on which to build.

Personal Book Study: Ordering Your Private World by Gordan Macdonald

I bought this book about 12 years ago, because I've always enjoyed reading motivational and self-help books. I've always loved reading about time management, organization, etc. My problem is actually applying what I've learned. Maybe, since I have trouble applying it, I haven't learned it, only read about it.

Anyway.

I'm reading the book again, and writing about it as I go, in the hope that putting what I'm learning into words will help me apply it to daily life. I also hope that each person who reads this will enjoy the journey with me. My goal is to post about one chapter each day.

Each of us has different desires, needs, roles, etc., and what I learn may not be what you need or want at this time in your life. But maybe something here will spark something in you that will be useful or helpful to you. Or maybe you will have a comment that will be helpful to me.

Oh, and speaking of comments . . . .

Please, Please, PLEASE, leave some. Let's have a conversation. I would love to hear from, and learn to know better, all of you. Even if you disagree with me, I want to hear from you.

And now with no further ado - I will begin!

In the preface of this book Gordon MacDonald talks about the number of people, even those who seem greatly successful and who seem to have it all together, struggle with organization of their inner life, their private world. There are many books, many articles, websites, seminars, and other resources to designed to help us organize seemingly every area of our lives, and to make us more "productive." Yet there seems to be little that truly addresses the question of internal or spiritual order. And yet their lies the heart of the matter.

In John 15:4 Jesus tells us that He wants us to abide in Him and He in us. For there to be true order in my private life everything must be based on this key component.

Gordan MacDonald identifies five spheres that make up our private world. They are as follows -
Sector One: Motivation
Sector Two: Use of Time
Sector Three: Wisdom and Knowledge
Sector Four: Spiritual Strength
Sector Five: Restoration

I can hardly wait to examine these in more detail in the coming days. Please join me.