Intentionality

Intentionality requires forethought, process, execution, and follow-up.  No matter what task we attempt to tackle, intentionality will take the endeavor from the first stage to completion.  UN-intentionally, we can become lax in our efforts.  We may procrastinate, worry, or even forget to forge ahead and intentionally work on the assignment set out in front of us.

Let’s take a look at the day-to-day chores we all do and how intentionality plays a major role. 

Laundry.  I despise laundry, I think because I do it every day.  Intentionality requires me to separate the colors and fabrics into different piles amounting to more loads.  Laziness would allow for fewer loads, but my whites would certainly be dull or even pink!  (Don’t even get me started on folding it and then putting it all away!) 

Cooking.  Intentionality requires meal planning, advanced weekly grocery shopping, pantry inventory to ensure all ingredients are on hand and kitchen cleanliness.  Laziness would produce more fast-food runs and wider waistbands!                                                                                                                                               

The Job. Intentionality would encourage a clean desk, attending to deadlines, and punctuality in arrival times. Laziness would mean backed-up work and incomplete assignments.

Sometimes, we do not always want to be productive. But, we serve a God who never slumbers nor sleeps on the job! (Ps. 121:4).  And He is always working things out for our good! (Rom 8:28). If I am created in His image, I am more than capable of doing the same productivity in my work, home life, and ministry.

Consider God’s intentionality in everything He ever did and currently does.  He is thoughtful, careful, and meticulous with all details and ideas.  His intentionality is our benchmark boasting forethought, process, execution, and follow-up.

Forethought: He knew you and numbered all your days. 

Psalm 39:4-7 - “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.”

Process: He knit you together in your mother’s womb.  Consider the handiwork! And not just you, but every person who ever lived, and is to come, AND each creature, plant, and insect, as well!

Psalm 139:13-16 -”For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Execution: God completes what He starts.  He is the Great Author and Finisher of our faith.  He endured the cross as you were the joy set before His eyes!

Hebrews 12:2 - “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Follow-up: God doesn't forget about us.  Like a mom who doesn’t forget her children, so is the Father’s remembrance of what is going on in our lives. We are the apple of His eye!

Isaiah 49:15 - “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”

Psalm 139:17-18 - “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.”

Psalm 17:8 - “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

What areas of your life require needed attention to intentionality? Commit your ways to Him and He will direct your steps.  (Prov. 16:3).  Be intentional about serving Him well in everything you do!

Colossians 3:23 - “In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master.”