Should Christians be intentional about following Jesus?

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. We hear this word often enough. Does its meaning impact us or does its meaning escape our everyday life. To be intentional simply means to do something on purpose. We can do intentional wrong or intentional good. We can be intentional daily about choices that lead to a changed life….which simply means, we can think and choose a higher calling, rather than living life on the auto pilot of our own ways. Being intentional means making deliberate and purposeful choices, guided by your values and goals, rather than acting impulsively or reactively. Yes, Christians should be intentional about living a life that reflects their faith. Living intentionally means purposefully pursuing the life God has called us to live. Being intentional takes focused action and living God-inspired intentions. God is intentional and calls us to be the same. Just as He intentionally created the world and humankind, He would ask us to be as intentional in our relationship with Him. Let’s examine Paul’s words to us. He says, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:15-18). This passage speaks about being intentional. As followers of Jesus, this means making conscious choices and taking deliberate steps to align your actions with God's will and values. It involves being mindful of how you spend your time, your relationships, and your daily choices, striving to live with purpose and meaning. Another wonderful passage showing intentionality says, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). Instead of claiming to be perfect now, Paul continues to pursue becoming more like Christ. A Christ-like life is not a moment to achieve, but a goal to pursue. Paul knows he would never be perfect in this world, but instead made it his ambition to become increasingly like Christ in this life. Philippians 3:12—4:1 (context) explains the proper attitude believers ought to have on the process of becoming more and more like Jesus.  This is a gradual, lifelong path which requires being intentional. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ, but it takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. Paul notes that he is not perfect, but encourages Christians to mimic his singular focus on pursuing Jesus. Be encouraged!