Book Review: Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

Don’t you just love it when you KNOW God is trying to tell you something?  Like when *everything* you’re reading, studying, and even hearing from the pulpit at church on Sunday are all the same thing?  Yes, indeed.

I read a book called “Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonald.   A caption on the back cover reads, “Has anyone seen my time? It seems I’ve misplaced it.”  Jawdrop.  Very accurate of how I feel many days.

MacDonald goes on to talk about driven people, and how the busier they are the more accomplished they feel.  However, he points out that the only way to truly be successful is to order your “inner” (spiritual) self.  So ask yourself these questions:  Does your inner spirit match your public persona?  Do you pray for people, in front of people, but never have one on one time with God?

Jesus Himself sought solitude to commune with the Father.  What makes us think that we don’t need to? Mmm-hm.

One of my favorite quotes from this book: "Not everything that cries the loudest in the most urgent thing."  Love that.  And it's so true!  So many things scream for our attention.  But what are the things that God would have us to do? That's where having your "private world" in line with the Scriptures is imperative.

MacDonalds father once told him that one of the greatest tests of character is deciding not just the good from the bad, but the best from the good.  I have used the same theory while teaching Jacob.  Sometimes there is more that one "right" answer.  But which answer is the best? 

This is a book chock full of not only wisdom, but also practical things that you can do to get back control of your time.  I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with prioritizing the many demands life has placed on them; teachers, moms, dads, pastors, community leaders.  It's definitely a good read.

You can find Ordering Your Private World, Revised and Updated, by Gordon MacDonald by clicking here

Or here.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.