Living Intentionally

What does it mean to live intentionally? If you had asked me that question when I first started out as a pastor, I would have probably given you a generic answer like “it’s about being intentional in every area of your life.” We hear this often, but what does that really mean? What does it mean to be intentional in our Christian walk with the Lord? 

Living an intentional life will likely require us to step out of our comfort zone, become more aware of our actions and make thoughtful decisions based on what we understand is important to God. Rather than focusing on our selfish desires, living intentionally is about maintaining a focus on who God has called us to be. By being intentional about our relationship with God, we will choose to discontinue our involvement with activities and events that present a distraction to our relationship with God.

Living intentionally is a focused mindset that actively seeks to live a life in Jesus Christ. When we live with intention, our focus shifts to the things that are truly valuable. Living intentionally is about simplifying our lives and tuning out the extra noise so we can focus on the things that are truly important. With time, our interest in some of the things we once considered important no longer holds our attraction.

We were created in God’s image, and as we continue to focus on Him throughout all the seasons of our lives, we will become more and more like Him. Our hearts and characters will reflect the One who made us and who is even now transforming us into His likeness. When we focus on God and cultivate a daily relationship with Him in an intentional way, and focus less on ourselves, our lives will be enhanced. 

Intentional living is like using a GPS system as it identifies our path and shows us how to make course corrections so we continue to move in the direction we should go. In the Message version of the Bible, Ephesians 5:10 reads “Figure out what pleases the Lord, and then do it.” When we understand what pleases God, we will be able to more clearly identify the pathway that He has laid out for us. Intentional living helps us set that course for our lives rather than just wandering aimlessly along. May God bless us as we seek to know Him better and then walk faithfully with Him. 

By Lee-Roy Chacon

President