2. Organization I. Introduction A. Notable Quotes 1. "Unless he manages himself effectively, no amount of ability, skill, experience or knowledge will make an executive effective."

3. 2. "If we do not successfully manage ourselves, we will not be successful in managing others.

4. B. Time management and organization are matters of excellence. 1. To excel means "to go beyond or above; to out do, to surpass."

5. 2. The Greek concept means: a. To exceed a fixed number or sequence. b. To be increased. c. To be abundantly furnished with. d. To be pre-eminent.

6. 3. The Bible challenges us to excel or go beyond the normal limits. a. In our expression of righteousness (Matt. 5:20) b. In our demonstration of love one to another (Phil. 1:9) c. In a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord (I Th. 4:1)

7. d. In edifying the church (I Cor. 14:12) e. In the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58)

8. 4. In fact we are challenged to excel more and more (I Th. 4:10). 5. It is part of God’s nature to excel (Gen. 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Ps. 150:2; Is. 12:4-6; 28:29). 6. This is God’s standard for us, for we are to reflect our creator. The church is to manifest God’s excellence to the world (Is. 35:2; 60:15).

9. 7. There are many marks of excellence in the life of the believer. 8. The marks of excellence should pervade all areas of life. a. Attitudes b. Appearance c. Clothing

10. d. Work Habits e. Manners f. Quality of Product or Service

11. C. Definition of the word “organize” 1. Organize means to bring together or form as a whole or combination as for a common objective. 2. Organize means to arrange systematically.

12. D. God's relationship to organization 1. God is a God of order and arrangement who delights in bringing order out of chaos. a. He did this in creation (Heb. 11:3). He also did this in us—the new creation. “Framed” means “to adjust, arrange, put in order and proper placement.”

13. b. He wants this to be characteristic of the church (Col. 2:5).

14. 2. God is very systematic in His approach to problems and projects. a. Creation testifies to this (Genesis 1-2). Each action prepared for and set the stage for the subsequent action. b. His approach to evangelism bears this out (Acts 1:8).

15. 3. God wanted Adam, who was made in the image of God, to share in this attribute. Hence he gave him a work to do: a. Dressing and Keeping the Garden. b. Naming the Animals.

16. 4. God has given every one of us, who are made in the image of God a specific work to do. a. We will never do this effectively without organization. b. Paul did a great job, but organization was an important key.

17. 5. God wants every one of us to increase our capacity to get the job done. a. As we are faithful, God wants to expand our capacity and give us more work and more responsibility (Matt. 13:12). b. The difference between a productive, efficient person and a frustrated, unfruitful one is organization and self- management in most cases.

18. II. Tips on Personal Organization A. Recognize your need (Matt. 5:3). B. Find someone who is doing well and follow them (I Cor.11:1). 1. What we lack, we are to look to others in the Body of Christ to supply.

19. 2. Find out what they are doing that you are not. 3. Find out what they are not doing that you are.

20. C. Rigorously maintain an appointment book. D. Do things on time. E. Plan out the week in advance. F. Keep paper and pencil handy at all times.

21. G. Make lists. 1. Keep them in prominent places. 2. Review them daily. H. Do the unexpected at the first available opportunity.

22. I. Have and maintain place for everything. 1. Know where things are supposed to be and put them there. 2. Maintain a personal filing system.

23. J. Organize your environment.