Feb 7 Sat
Is it important to live the virtue of order in my daily life?
“Virtue without order? Strange virtue!" Saint Josemaría Escrivá emphasized the virtue of order as essential to effective living and spiritual growth, advocating a structured approach to work and daily responsibilities.
Here you have some of his most relevant teachings on the Virtue of Order:
Importance of Planning:
In "The Way," St. Josemaría highlights that without a plan of life, one cannot achieve order. He stresses that having a structured plan allows individuals to manage their time effectively and fulfill their duties in a balanced manner.
Time Management:
He believed that when order is brought into one’s life, time seems to multiply, enabling individuals to dedicate more time to God and their responsibilities. This reflects his view that virtue without order is a strange concept, as order is fundamental to living out virtues effectively.
Balanced Life:
St. Josemaría encouraged a well-structured plan that encompasses all aspects of life, including spiritual, family, professional, and social responsibilities. He taught that achieving balance in these areas is crucial for personal development and fulfilling one’s vocation.
Work as a Gift:
He viewed work as a divine gift and emphasized that all work, regardless of its nature, should be approached with order and dedication. He stated that work done carelessly cannot be sanctified, as it lacks the love that makes any action pleasing to God.
After this, you may say, how can I apply this to my daily life? Consider these Practical Applications:
Daily Plan:
“Without a plan of life, you will never have order." St. Josemaría advised establishing a fixed routine to cultivate the virtue of order. This includes waking up at a consistent time and allocating specific times for prayer, work, and family activities. “If you don't get up at a fixed time, you will never carry out your plan of life."
Avoiding Procrastination:
“Don't put off your work until tomorrow." He warned us against putting off tasks, encouraging us to tackle our responsibilities promptly to maintain order in our lives.
In summary, Saint Josemaría Escriva's teachings on the virtue of order emphasize the necessity of planning, time management, and a balanced approach to life, all of which contribute to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched existence. By integrating these principles, individuals can enhance their ability to serve God and others through their daily actions.
“When you bring order into your life, your time will multiply, and then you will be able to give God more glory by working more in his service."
If you make daily effort to pray, work conscientiously, and care for others, you will, little by little, become the kind of person God expects you to be. People will believe you because they see you struggle to be authentic and live what you propose to others. Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.