Intention

One of the words you hear me use a lot is "intentionality." Simply expressed, intentionality is visualizing a desired outcome and then thinking logically what steps must be taken to bring about that result. Easy, right?

I'm an incredible planner. I can generate "to do lists" in my sleep and think through multiple steps on massive projects with ease. But intentionality is not just about making maps. It also involves the discipline and mental focus to work through the plan, to adjust the plan when you see that you're headed in the wrong direction, and then ultimately evaluate when you're in need of an entirely new plan!

Living the life of a Jesus follower requires intentionality if only because there are "powers and principalities" (Eph 6:12) – unseen forces – at work in the world moving against the flow of God's justice, mercy, and compassion. We see the movement from order to chaos in just about every area of our life where there isn't some force acting to nudge, push, or shove in the direction of greater order. My house, if left to the people who live in it, can quickly become a dungeon of unwashed laundry and stacked high dishes. Someone, something has to exercise intentionality to see that laundry gets done and dishes are put away.

Our life is the same way. When we aren't mindful of the direction we're headed and then exercise "force" to move in that direction, we follow the natural groove of "disorder" resulting in depression, fear, stress, anxiety, feelings of incompleteness. We can endure short periods of this sort of living. But we all arrive at a place where we're forced to reflect on how where we're headed and what we're doing with the life we've been given.

Get a picture of your best, most joy-filled life. What force needs to be exerted TODAY to move in the direction of that life?