Ordering Your Private World Paperback – September 5, 2017

The premise of this book is that the pace of modern life is impossible to maintain without getting our spiritual tanks empty. So many people are running on the cheap fuels of talent, natural giftings, momentum and caffeine fixes instead of the depth and energy that comes from a purposeful decision to be slower, more honest and reflective. As we're all in this western lifestyle together, it's often impossible for us to perceive who is running on which type of fuel until cracks start appearing.

Gordon MacDonald has observed that many lives are sudden sinkholes waiting to happen, because the messages we get from the world encourage us to focus on the surface levels of our lives, including how they may look to others. There is a gaping chasm beneath this veneer which so often remains unfilled.

I loved his clear distinction between being 'driven' in your approach to life, as opposed to being 'called'. I get the impression driven people may tend to regard life with a 'what's in it for me' type of filter. They wear fatigue and stress as badges of honour. Gratified only by accomplishment and positive feedback, they read books and attend seminars with the sole aim of being even more productive. Although they may appear altruistic and heroic, in reality they are exhausted approval seekers, needing to constantly hear the words, "Well done". They are preoccupied with visible symbols of accomplishment, such as office sizes and social media followings. Their minds never stop ticking away, wondering how they can get better connected with other so-called "greats" in their field, all the while keeping their eyes open to see who is applauding them.

On the other hand, those who are 'called' have no need to grandstand or impress anyone, so they can take time to nurture their inner worlds. Knowing they aren't the centre of the universe, they take time to ponder the mysterious little things in the world. When they do give, they are free to do so out of a deep reservoir. And they don't bother keeping track of who's watching them, because they know that's not the issue of life.

The rest of the book consists of mindsets and practices we can try to set up to make sure we are 'called' rather than 'driven'. These include reading good books in a slow, thoughtful manner, letting their insights shape our lives. He also highly recommends keeping a journal of our inner processes and thoughts. I've been doing this for a long time anyway, but I loved his perspective that it's a type of prayer in its own right, making it easier for us to heed God's gentle insights and counsel.

We are given an example of two Biblical men, one driven and one called. King Saul wasted so much energy chasing David across the desert, convinced that getting rid of his perceived competition would prevent his shaky throne from toppling. MacDonald believes that if modern medical monitors had been available then, Saul's blood pressure and stress hormones would have been found to be sky high. However, John the Baptist lived a still life out in the desert, aware of the deeper undercurrents of life. When his followers suggested that Jesus' popularity might be threatening his own position, he was totally unconcerned, knowing it was as it should be.

Just the way this book is written forces us to slow down our racing thoughts and get calm and reflective. If you're like me, you might find that your mind is choppier than you would have thought. But reading this definitely helps make those ripples calmer.

This is a soul searching book that causes one to think deeply about aspects of life that you may not have deeply focused on before. It is very well written, easy to understand, gives direction & examples that you can relate to. I found myself thinking and pondering at a much deeper depth and wishing I had access to this wisdom years ago. Everyone who avails him or her self of this knowledge will be a better person for having had access to this book. The vital thing is to apply what is learn to you life right away. This is a must read for all Christians.

Love everything written by Gordon MacDonald! This book tackles the importance of the spiritual self and teaches how to develop that into the executive function that should govern everything else in one's life.

Mr. MacDonald writes with clarity and shares important principles about living a healthy life internally. I read it as part of ministry assignment. Had no clue who Gordon Macdonald was, but I now know that he is someone who carries great depth and understanding about life. He makes it clear that it does not matter how much success you have externally, the internal private world is most important. Anyone can benefit from reading this book, spiritual or nonspiritual.

Of all the books that I have read lately I have found this formative in guiding me to consider the state of my inner life.

It took me till the end of chapter one to see that this book has a stiff sounding title for a book that instills so much vitality. I have been challenged to look at myself thoroughly and guided into methods to help be a man of inner strength. I can not recommend this book enough as it is immensely illuminating and challenging... I feel like I am a better person for taking into practice its advice. (I do not say that about most books I read).

Excellent book! Keeping life ordered, from a Christian, pastoral, biblical viewpoint. Very inspiring and practical - to help us make the right kinds of choices and to get meaningful control of our personal lives! This also helps our professional lives, and sets healthy boundaries so that it does not ruin our private world, and thereby, whole world. Keep focused on what is most important, enriching, and meaningful in life. This book shows us how.

This title is the second I've read by Gordon MacDonald, and I was so impressed that it certainly won't be my last. MacDonald approaches discipleship from a different perspective than most would do -- discipleship is not found in greater effectiveness for ministry, but in greater purpose for living. He doesn't tell the reader how to do what he/she is doing better, but to discover WHY it is being done. MacDonald calls believers to search their hearts, seeking godliness above busyness. This book is an excellent read for all Christians, but especially for church leaders and pastors. I recommend it highly.

My private works has been sporadic at best. My pastor encouraged me to read this book to help bring order and growth into my life. With the help of this book and my Day One journaling app, I feel like I'm on my way to a changed life!

MacDonald explains how to order your private world and why you should. He gives honest examples from his own life and helps us learn from his mistakes and short-comings.

This book is perfect for anyone from homemaker to executive. We all need order in our private worlds to face the busyness and trials of our public world.