Intentionally Attentive

There’s something about doing things well that invigorates us. At the same time, there’s a pull in us that looks for the easy way out, the shortcut, the less-well-done way to do things. Intentionality in our lives is something to fight for.

So much of God’s charge to us through His Word is about enduring, persevering, maturing, and sanctifying. What do all those words have in common? None of them happen by accident. You can only become an enduring person by choosing to walk through that which needs to be endured.

Here’s something I’ve noticed in my own life: time is going to move anyways, the question then becomes how will I participate with the time that’s passing. Friend, what we do with this question matters. We’ve talked about this before, we’re all becoming someone. What kind of person are your choices shaping you into?

“Pay careful attention to your own work for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else” (Galatians 6:4). I need to be honest, I don’t often live my day-to-day life with “careful attention.”

The times I have, quite literally fill my being with purpose. You don’t need to change the world, you could simply start by following through in doing the thing you said you’d do. If 10 reps was the goal, don’t put the weights down when you get tired at eight. If you told your friend you’ll get together this week – get together this week. It’s not rocket science.

Now, something cool begins to happen when we add intentionality to our day – it begins to spread. A common charge in the New Testament isn’t to know everything or to have all the answers, no, it’s to “stay awake” (Matthew 24:42). Friend, Jesus is coming back and there is going to be a day of reckoning. A day where we will all be judged for how we spent our time here. It is up to us as to how that conversation goes.

You could substitute staying awake with “be intentional” or “stay oriented.” Let’s not forget the story we’re living in. This story is not one of reaching the top of the proverbial ladder. It’s one of being redeemed. That we would wake up to the reality that we were made by a Creator who loves us and has an intended way for us to live.

God’s designed you for Himself. He desires that you would know Him and in turn come to understand just how deeply He cherishes you. Oh, how often time simply slips by, seemingly unbeknownst to me, and I’ve forgotten to live out of this truth.

Like any story, intentionality is necessary for the narrative to continue. A lazy captain steers his ship off course. A tired author loses the plot. And forgetful people forget their purpose and waste their time.

Friend, living intentionally requires attention. This isn’t an easy task. The world is filled with opportunities to stay distracted from the love of Jesus. But distraction is a choice too. We must stay intentional in remembering the true story we’re living in.