Specifically, expressions bound within parentheses, "( )", always have the highest precedence. Expressions of multiplication, "x", and division, "/", have precedence next. Finally, addition, "+", and subtraction, "-", expressions have the least precedence. Therefore, by this order of operations . . .
2 x 3 + 4 = 10 and 2 x (3 + 4) =14
As clearly indicated above, awareness of the order of operations is very necessary for the proper resolution of these problems.
The natural realm in general—and mathematics, more specifically—time and time again demonstrate spiritual principles. That being true, resolution of life problems should be approached following the proper order of operations.
I gleaned the spiritual order of operations in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. While Paul is not specifically speaking about resolving our life issues in this scripture, he mentions the whole of our person: spirit, soul, and body.
As I prayed recently—addressing with the Holy Spirit my own life issues no less—he reminded of this scripture and informed that Paul, as meticulous as he was, did not list out these dimensions of our existence in random order but instead in order of importance/relevance/precedence.
The body, which strictly makes us legal residents of the natural realm, has the lowest precedence. The body, as a part of the physical realm, should only implement logic that comes from within instead of influencing our logic which is unfortunately true for those who don't hear God's voice in their heart, i.e. the spirit.
The soul, which is the mind, will, and emotions, is the decision-making part of our person. It has precedence over the body deciding what the body says and does. As a dimension of our existence, the soul is a battle zone. It is territory constantly fought over by our born-again spirit man and our sinful nature, a nature born within us because Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, and we are their offspring. Naturally, if the spirit man has not been born again, the sinful nature wins.
The spirit, intent to be the receiver of revelation knowledge from the Holy Spirit, has the highest precedence of our triune being. It being the least tangible part of our person from the outside-in, is often ignored. When, if God has His way, decisions made in the world for all of Mankind would begin with His voice in every person's born again spirit.
Succinctly, the spirit hears God's voice and influences the logic in our soul. Within the soul, we make decisions in accordance with God's Word. Finally, those decisions govern our behavior.
Sickness, poverty, broken marriages, disobedient children, gun control, homosexuality and same-sex marriage should all be addressed following what I've termed the spiritual order of operations. It is the order of precedence by which we should live our lives. By it, God speaks first, and the natural realm reaps the benefit. By this order of operations, our life issues, like the math problems above, are adequately resolved.
