Intentional Living

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:9

As we close out an old year and face a new year, people often make resolutions. Most of these resolutions last for just a few days, sometimes a few weeks. Rarely do we find these resolutions kept for an entire year.

New Year's resolutions tend to be a waste of time. Instead of making resolutions, I set goals for the upcoming year. I've been doing this for many years. Some years I do better at my goals than other years, but even in the lean years, I tend to keep some, if not most, of my goals.

As we face a new year, let me challenge you to live intentionally. Far too many people live aimless lives. Without goals a person lets the winds of life dictate their direction. I believe it is important to determine the right direction to go and then pursue it. Sometimes you have to sail into the wind to get to your destination. If you allow the wind to chart your course, you may end up in any number of wrong locations.

Most of the changes that are needed most will not occur automatically. It will require planning and hard work to see the results most of us desire. Whether it is losing weight, growing spiritually or improving relationships, these things will not occur without effort. You have to be intentional about good health. You must be intentional to have great relationships. You must be intentional to grow in your faith. I have found that there are some things that never get done unless I am intentional about doing them. The most important things in life require intentional effort, but they also produce the best results.

As you approach a new year, let me give encourage you live intentionally. Here are a few suggestions:

1. PRAY

First of all, pray. Seek God's help for the upcoming year. Learn what destination you need to aim for, the direction you need to chart and the steps you need to take. God knows what is best for you. Look to Him for the guidance and help you need.  

2. PLAN

Secondly, plan. It is been said, “The man who fails to plan has planned to fail.” If your goal is challenging, you may wish to break the goal down into smaller steps. People who plan tend to get more done than those who don't. Put your goals and plans on paper. Be specific. Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Proper planning may prevent unnecessary pain and problems. Let me give you an example. Most college students have a plan in place when they go to school. They know what degree they are pursuing and the track to get there. If a person goes to college without any direction, he or she will spend a lot of time and money on classes that may never lead to a degree. Planning is important.

3. PROCEED

Next, put the plan into action. It is easier to plan than it is to work. At some point, however, the plan needs to be implemented. In large tasks, it is better to break down the project into smaller tasks that are easily accomplished. In any case, any worthwhile goal will require hard work. Most of this work cannot be done from your recliner.

4. PATIENCE

Next, be patient. The most worthwhile goals will take time to accomplish. I think it is important to regularly review your list of goals. Whether you revisit your goals weekly or daily, be encouraged to keep on going. Don't stop. As Paul wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” It is easy to get discouraged when you fail to see immediate results. Don't let that stop you. Keep your eyes on the goal. Sometimes goals need to be tweaked or changed, but most of the time we simply need to be patient.

In archery, a participant usually concentrates on the “bulls eye” as he practices. Continue practice makes him more successful. The key is continual effort and concentrating on the target. The same is true in life. Find the right target and work on hitting that target consistently over a long period of time.

It goes without saying that we will need God's help every step of the way. Continually seek God and trust Him for the help you will need. His grace is the most important aspect of intentional living.

I don't know what the new year will bring. I just know that those who live intentionally will accomplish more than those who don't. Don't let your life pass you by without fulfilling your God-given calling. Don't waste your life. Live intentionally, beginning today!