Psalms 139:13-16 and 2 Peter 1:3-9
RESOVLE = fixation of purpose; Resoluteness….
RESOLUTENESS = firm determination marked by boldness and steadfastness.
With these definitions, living an
intentional life could be stated this way: An intentional life is one with
purpose. The purpose is followed with a bold and steady determination until the
desired outcome is realized. To make it easier to remember, I settled on this
phrase: An intentional life has purpose, discipline and results. The
emphasis being on results!
Before we can jump into what I will simply define as the “eight areas of
priorities” in life, we must first ask “Why is this an important issue”? The answer to that is simple: It is really about each one of us
taking control of our lives and determining our own happiness and well being,
rather than allowing our lives to be controlled by other people, circumstances
or forces. If we do not have an agenda for our lives, one will be provided for
us—either by the events and circumstances of life itself, or by other people. To live intentionally means that we are taking control and determining how we will live our lives and spend our time, energy and resources. Without such a plan, you could say that just the opposite is true; “An UN-intentional life neither seeks nor has purpose, is very undisciplined, and will yield little if any – and usually the wrong results!”
I want a lay a foundation for intentional living by considering three facts;
( 1.) God has a purpose and plan for every life. And, that God’s plan includes all areas of life. What I mean is this; we live compartmentalized lives. Each part being separate from the others…and yet at the same time being interconnected in the way that each affects the other…as they all affect our whole being…like interconnecting circles.
I have taken the liberty of breaking them down to eight categories: We have our (a.) Home or Family life (b.) Spiritual life (c.) Work life or Career (d.) Our Recreational life, (e.) Church life; (f.) Intellectual life; (g.) Financial life; and finally, (h.) Our Physical/Health and well being. But, one thing we need to know is that with God, there is no distinction between the differing areas of our lives. He’s concerned with all of it. He is concerned with the physical, mental and emotional well being in every area.
(2.) Not only does God have a plan for our lives but God has a will for our lives. Although they are closely related, I believe there is a slight difference. For instance, it was God’s will for me to become a minister of His Word …how and where His will is carried out in my life is His plan.
God has a plan for every life, however, because God has given us free will, His will is not always accomplished in our lives. That’s because - Our wills determine whether or not God’s purpose is accomplished in our lives. There are people who never accept Jesus as their savior…(which is God’s will). There are Christians who remain spiritually immature (and never reach the potential of God’s plan for their lives.) There are people who waste their entire lives…despite our greatest efforts….and because of their free will.
GOD NOT ONLY HAS A PLAN AND A WILL, BUT…
(3.) God has an intended outcome—that man would enter into a loving relationship with HIM. This plan started in the Garden of Eden but was frustrated when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command not to eat from one tree. Sin entered the world of mankind and ever since that time, God has worked to bring man back to himself; first with the Jewish people, then with the Gentiles. But it was Jesus who came to bring us back to God once and for all. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son; that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. If this verse were the only Bible we had, it would be all we need!
GOD HAS A PLAN, A WILL AND AN INTENDED OUTCOME. NOW THE QUESTION IS…What does all of this mean to you and me?
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