Are you an Intentional Christian?
To be intentional is defined as being done on purpose or deliberately. I wrote this topic down about a month ago and I was not sure which direction God would send me with it, so I left it alone until He gave me the words to say. When I started writing this blog about two weeks ago, He gave me these two key thoughts: We should be intentional in how we Love, and We should be intentional in how we Live.
How we Love:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34 KJV
How you treat another person will reveal to them whether or not they and the relationship you have with them really matter to you. Our motivation for how we treat others should always be in the way that God commands us to love. Too many times we hold grudges and harbor unforgiveness due to stubbornness or selfishness pride. And in some unfortunate circumstances, there are those who have had “loved ones” leave here without getting a chance to get it right…...simply because they chose not to forgive, let go and let God work it out.
No, it is not easy to love when we feel hurt, resentment, disrespected, betrayed, lied to, or lied on. But that does not mean that we should hold grudges against them forever. What if God felt that way and acted that way towards us? What if He withheld grace and forgiveness from us? What if He had the same petty attitude that we show and give to others? We must remember that God is going to judge us for OUR actions, not the actions of others. “Being the first to forgive doesn’t make you weaker or that you must act like a doormat, it just means that you truly understand God’s command and that it is not worth sacrificing your salvation.”
“Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV
God loves unconditionally. He does not tell us to just love others who are loving to us nor to give it to those whom WE feel deserves to be shown love to. To love as God loves is to look past imperfections, step outside of yourself, and see the needs of others. No one is perfect…. Many of us do not have a problem with loving God with our whole hearts, but we often fall short in learning to love others that way. This flesh, the human part of us, oftentimes gets in our way. “Be intentional: Make a conscious and genuine effort to love. Not just surface level or when it is convenient. To love is a choice or will to love others.”
How we Live:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
Intentionally living for God means to live with purpose. Live according to God’s will and his standards, and not our own. It is not about living a perfect life or one without opposition, but one that is committed to living righteously for Him. To live a life that brings glory and honor to His name. To stay in the race no matter how hard things get…...no matter how hard the battle or how strong the storm. Not turning our backs on God……trusting and standing on His promises.
We should intentionally spend time with God daily……not just in times of trouble or despair. In this world that we live in, it is easy to become distracted and God can intentionally or unintentionally be placed on the backburner. If we are serious about our walk, then God can never just be an afterthought. Our relationship with him can never be treated casually. It is not about being religious but having a true relationship with Him. Carve out time intentionally, just like we make time for everyone and everything else in our lives. “The things that are important to us, we make time for.”
Be intentional, be faithful, and examine yourself. We all are fully aware of the areas in our lives where we struggle or fall short. Pray and ask God for guidance in help in fixing it. We are too close to the end to throw caution to the wind and live life carelessly and recklessly. There is no time to be lukewarm, for His return is imminent and there will be no time for excuses because He is only coming for those who are truly His…...for those who serve Him in spirit and in truth. Not for those who only have a form of godliness and are only trying to fool or convince others. “The life we live speaks louder than any words we profess.”
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV
Be Intentional: Worship, Pray, Forgive, Love & Live with Grace, Purpose & Humility!
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