Order of Operations
- The Narrow Path
- Mar 1, 2024
- 2 min read
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8, NLT).
As a physical therapist, a lot of my time is spent discussing a specific plan to help alleviate symptoms. I recently sat with a long-time patient of mine as we created a specific plan for her.
We talked through a lot of different components of exercise, rest, a walking program, precautions with certain activities, and all the things. Most specifically, though, we landed on a discussion regarding order of operations with her daily routine.
I gave her some simple stretching exercises, followed by some breathing to get specific muscles warmed up, and then I instructed her to take her usual walk and/or jog. I told her that performing each of these in specific order would be important for meeting her goals.
Speaking of specific order, if I were to use the abbreviation PEMDAS, would you know what it stands for?
Let’s try to solve this equation together: (3 x 52 / 15) – (5 – 22) = ____
What answer did you come up with? I’m guessing it depends on whether you know the correct order of operations for solving math problems.
Parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. If you don’t have this memorized, you are more than likely going to end up with the wrong answer.
If you said anything other than 4, it’s likely because you don’t know the proper order of operations.
You can perform this math problem, without changing any components of the equation, and end up with multiple outcomes; however, there is only one right answer.
Order of operations is an important concept in math, and physical therapy. But it’s most important when we apply it to understanding salvation through Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, many people believe they have to clean themselves up before they can come to know a personal relationship with Jesus. But this is the incorrect order of operations. Romans 5:8 tells us: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
There isn’t better news than this. God loves us just as we are, and He is calling each of us to Him. It doesn’t matter how scarred our past is. It doesn’t matter how messy our lives look.
We can talk about the order or operations for math, and physical therapy, but the order for salvation is the only one that has Kingdom impact. Jesus FIRST. Everything else SECOND.
Comentários