Intentionally Christian

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Dear Friends in Christ,

A phrase that has been echoing in my head recently is “intentional Christian living.” The words “intentional” and “intentionality” have come into use in recent decades to talk about how we shape our lives. They indicate a more purposeful way to live, rather than simply accidentally following whatever is trendy or business-as-usual. Instead of doing whatever the news or social media tell you to do, intentionality means thinking through what is important, what matches your values, what is true and right. Intentionality seeks a more holistic and integrated life, where our actions and habits of life match our principles and aspirations.

Intentionally Christian, then, would mean taking on that task with Christian principles and Christian values as the aim. Better yet, living intentionally Christian lives puts not principles and ideas at the center, but rather puts God himself at the center—making our relationship with God the bedrock foundation of our lives. Christian principles and values, then, are an outgrowth of that relationship, formed and shaped by scriptures and sacraments and the fellowship of the church.

How are you living an intentionally Christian life? Reflect on the habits and structures of your day-to-day; does that pattern of living reflect a life devoted to God, committed to following Jesus? Are your efforts to care for yourself and your family chosen as part of your commitment to God first? Or yourself first? Or does culture or politics or career or hobbies or other competing loyalties come before God in the patterns of your life? What part of your life might you work on first to place more of who you are in God’s hands?

The more you do, the more you will find God’s blessing and live into God’s dreams for you.

Yours in Christ,

-Tom