When Spring is in the air, it seems as if life is breathed back into the world. Blooms start appearing and birds start building nests in the trees. As the clothes are changed out to spring attire, one discovers things stuffed in the closet and pushed to the side from last year. It is time to bring the chaos under control.
But should one place an emphasis on such work as this? How important is cleaning up in the spring? Why should there be a refocus on the organization?
As Spring conjures up thoughts of new beginnings, we too should think about them in the area of organization.
In the first place, there is a clear teaching in God’s word on Dominion. It is a word that carries with it many strong undertones.
Dominion as a creation mandate
Some things are outlined early in Scripture, such as the foundation of the family and the origins of sin. So it is with the dominion mandate. It is not part of the law handed down at Sinai and it can be argued that it is something that is certainly relevant for today. The verses normally used for this is found in Genesis 1:
Genesis 1:26-28
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Since God gave man dominion over the realm in which he dwelt, it is easy to understand why one should take control of the realm in which they dwell as well.
Dominion as a way to glorify God
Everything we do, everything we involve ourselves in should be done with the overarching idea of giving Glory to God. In fact, the Apostle Paul states it in this manner: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Man is clearly expected to Glorify God with all that he does. Peter tells us in his first letter and the fourth chapter that God in all things may be glorified:
That includes Spring cleaning.
Dominion for peace of mind
At the end of the day, we should be satisfied with our labor. That satisfaction comes in knowing that you have put forth the very best effort, to accomplish the very best outcome, for the glory of God.
The wise preacher of Ecclesiastes says it best: Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Ecclesiastes 5:18
