One of YadaFactor’s core values is “Reorder Vertically.” But what does this mean, and how can it shape our daily lives? This powerful principle invites us to reorient our hearts and minds toward God, placing Him at the center of all we do. As believers, we are constantly pulled in different directions by the pressures of life—career demands, family obligations, personal desires, and societal expectations. Reordering vertically means bringing all of these things into submission to the will and purpose of God, seeking His guidance above all else.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse serves as a foundation for understanding what it means to reorder vertically. It’s a call to align our priorities with God’s kingdom. Instead of chasing after the temporary, fleeting things of this world, Jesus instructs us to pursue God’s righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs.
The Power of Vertical Alignment
When we reorder vertically, we’re shifting our focus away from the horizontal—our earthly circumstances—and looking upward to God. This shift transforms the way we approach everything from decision-making to relationships. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this wisdom: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It’s about surrendering our limited perspective to God’s greater plan, acknowledging that He knows better than we do.
This surrender, however, is not passive. It’s an active choice to live in constant communion with God, allowing Him to guide our steps. Reordering vertically is not a one-time action, but a daily commitment to recalibrate our lives to His will. We are called to trust that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
Reordering in the Face of Challenges
One of the most profound examples of reordering vertically comes from Jesus Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing immense suffering, He prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Even in His deepest agony, Jesus chose to submit to the Father’s will, reordering His desires vertically in obedience to God’s greater plan.
In our own lives, there will be moments when reordering vertically requires us to make difficult choices, to surrender what we think is best for ourselves, and to trust God’s direction. It may mean saying no to a job offer that doesn’t align with God’s calling, or being still in a season of waiting when we’d rather rush ahead. But as Jesus showed, surrendering to God’s will leads to ultimate victory and fulfillment.
How to Reorder Vertically in Everyday Life
So, how do we practically live out this core value? Here are a few steps we can take:
- Daily Prayer and Scripture Reading – Start your day by connecting with God. As Colossians 3:2 reminds us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Consistent prayer and scripture reading help keep our focus on God’s kingdom rather than our earthly concerns.
- Surrender in Small Decisions – Practice submitting even the smallest decisions to God. Ask Him to guide your actions throughout the day, whether in how you respond to a difficult situation or the priorities you set.
- Reflect and Realign – At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect. Were your actions aligned with God’s will? Where might you need to reorder vertically? Invite God to realign your heart if it has drifted.
- Community Accountability – Surround yourself with others who are also committed to seeking God first. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Sharing your journey in a YadaFactor triad helps you stay accountable to this commitment.
The Reward of Vertical Reordering
When we commit to reordering vertically, we experience peace and clarity that only comes from God. Philippians 4:6-7 promises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By placing our trust in Him and seeking His will first, we are freed from the burden of carrying our lives on our own shoulders. Reordering vertically is an invitation to live in deeper intimacy with God, experiencing His presence and guidance in every aspect of life. As we realign ourselves with His kingdom, we can trust that all other things will fall into their proper place.
Let’s take the call to reorder vertically seriously and watch how God transforms our lives for His glory.
