Intentionality Precedes Blessing
Intentionality often precedes blessing. Do you notice this theme in the Bible too? Here are a few examples. Keep in mind these are not formulas, but wise principles.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”
Colossians 4:5b (AMP) “make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].”
Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV) “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”
James 4:17 (NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
God reveals recommendations for wise ways to live throughout His word and intentionality seems to be one value of His . . . Therefore, it is wise to make it a value of ours as well!!!
In recent conversations, various Christian mentors have shared how prosperity, in God’s economy, is defined as the fullness of our relationships: with God, with ourselves, with others, and with His creation.
Flourishing relationships are a blessing and intentionality enriches our relationships.
Here are four ways intentionality precedes blessing in relationships:
Intentionality allows margin. As my friend, Marcia, says, “Margin makes me kinder.”
Intentionality helps us make the most use of our days as we strategically allocate set aside time for each of our priorities. And you know what God’s word is for something that is set apart for Him or blessed? “Holy.”
Intentionality reveals our limits. God allows limits in our life and they are good. Regardless of our efficiency and productivity, we can only accomplish so much. But God is limitless! Intentionality reminds us of our healthy reliance on Him.
Intentionality serves others well.
We moved across town this year, and for the five weeks we were between homes, our friends invited our family to live in their basement. (Thank you, Jon and Jolene! We are forever grateful!) During that season, a neighbor down the street was thoughtful as she considered we could use some help in this unique time. With intentionality, she prepared a feast for us one night. It happened to fall on a day one of our daughters was home from school ill, and I was able to spend the day snuggling with her and comforting her on the couch, knowing our family would be cared for with food that evening. Bonus: our kids were excited to eat Miss Jillian’s food. (Do you notice your kids are more willing to try new foods if a friend makes it?!) Jillian’s intentionality preceded blessing for our family! Intentionality blesses others.
Intentionality takes on many forms: meal planning, strategically scheduling, saying no to commitments in order to say yes to the best opportunities, forming healthy habits in your life, or practicing self-discipline and restraint to avoid overconsumption or consumerism.
What about you? What intentionality do you delight in?
For me, it’s intentionally preparing time to connect with people through questions. To reverse engineer an evening of quality conversation, it requires planning ahead in our schedule so that we have time to be together. It is also helpful to ensure chores and daily maintenance tasks are completed so that I won’t be distracted during the conversation. I want to savor the person right in front of me and my favorite way to delight in conversation is through curiosity.
I have put together a few questions for you to process with your spouse or family so that you are intentional with the gift this season is. December can be chaotic, over-committed, cold, and lonely, but this month also has the potential to be a season of spiritual refreshment, rich fellowship with others, and an opportunity to extend generosity so that others experience the love of Christ. Let’s choose the latter, together!
If you are in the same phase of life as me, Christmas break is a special time when your kids will be out of school. It will be here in a few speedy weeks, so this is the time to intentionally prepare for the coming weeks when we will be out of our typical rhythms and routines.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Laura
About The Savvy Sauce
Practical chats for intentional living
A faith-based podcast and resources to help you grow closer to Jesus and others. Expect encouragement, surprises, and hope here. Each episode offers lively interviews with fascinating guests such as therapists, authors, non-profit founders, and business leaders.
They share their best practices and savvy tips we can replicate to make our daily life and relationships more enjoyable!
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