Junk in the Trunk

It is important to stay organized and orderly. If we do not have systems in place for ministry engagements, distribution of paperwork, storage of worship instruments, care for garments, music organization, and so on, we may find ourselves buried in a sea of confusion both mentally and physically. We must discover what works for us, and strive to keep things flowing as smoothly as possible. Having a clear mindset allows us not to be distracted when it is time to minister.

If we have ever found ourselves unable to find that specific flag or prop because of a disorganized environment, it is time to remove the excess from around us. If the dance ministry needs help collecting and arranging things to be found for future use, it may be time to assign a person to govern as "keeper of the wardrobe." If the trunks of our vehicles are strewn with dance garments, shoes, CDs, streamers, rehearsal schedules, etc., we need to get organized! With busy schedules, clutter can develop before we realize it. When we are working with large groups of people, we must be even more diligent to work together to keep the pathways clear.

Whenever we are invited out to minister, it is a good principle to train ourselves and those who go with us to leave things neat and clean. We should not leave plastic bags, tissue, make-up powder, or any other mess behind for someone else to clean up. Representing the ministry well not only entails how we enter a place, but how we leave it. After the dance has gone forth and the praises have been heard, have we left things in disarray, or has the place been made better by our presence?

2 Chronicles 29:4-5 (NKJV)
Then he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them in the East Square, and said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.

2 Chronicles 34:22 (NKJV)
So Hilkiah and those the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (She dwelt in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect.

Nehemiah 4:10 (NKJV)
Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”

Colossians 2:5 (NKJV)
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.