Your First Anchor for Living Intentionally
On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples and shared a profound truth: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18 NIV). This wasn’t just a message for the disciples; it’s a message for us today. We’re in this world, but not of it. So, how do we navigate this tension? The answer lies in living intentionally, and that starts with understanding your “why.”
The Importance of “Why”
You see, living intentionally isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s a personalized journey that starts with knowing your ‘why.’ Without a clear ‘why,’ we’re like ships without a compass, driven by the winds of our emotions, desires and even our hurts.
“Why” is the first of five anchors that can help you live intentionally in Christ in the world today.
There are essentially three types of living:
- The Unintentional Life
This is the life lived without a clear sense of purpose. You’re just going through the motions, reacting to life rather than living it.
- The Good Intentioned Life
Here, you might know your “why,” but there’s a disconnect. You’re not aligning your actions with God’s design for your life.
- The Intentional Life
This is the life we aim for—a life lived in alignment with God’s purpose, glorifying Him in all we do.
The Westminster Short Catechism, penned in 1648, beautifully encapsulates this when it states that the chief purpose of humankind is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This aligns perfectly with what the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:20: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (NKJV).
- The Power of the “Why” Question
Understanding your “why” is like having a North Star in a dark sky. It guides every decision you make, every interaction you have and even how you spend your resources. When you know your “why,” you’re not easily swayed by the changing tides of culture or public opinion. Your “why” keeps you anchored.
The answer to your why helps drive everything you do, every interaction you have and every decision you make.
So, what’s your “why?” If you’re still searching, take comfort in knowing that it’s a journey. And remember, it’s not about perfection. Living intentionally is about doing the next right thing, one step at a time, all for the glory of God.
Let’s make our “why” our anchor, allowing us to live intentionally in a culture that so desperately needs the hope and love that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
If you missed the first blog in this series, Living Intentionally in a Dying Culture, read it here. And to learn about the final four anchors, click here.
