On Being Intentional

By pastorbillwalden

It was said of Jehoshapaht, that he “prepared his heart to seek God”. (1 Chronicles 19:3)

Think about those you admire. Think about those you enjoy watching “do their thing”.  They are intentional about what they do, and not just reactive.  They are committed.  They are passionate.  They are disciplined. They see what “can be” when others only see “what is”. They are good at what they do because they are committed to their pursuit.  They did not achieve excellence by accident.

When others are playing, the ones we admire are working, reading, practicing, training, studying.  They excel because they are intentionally choosing to pursue their goal.  They are focused.  They are not disciplined because they “have to be”, but because they love that which they pursue, and realize that they were created for such a pursuit.

As Christians, we can expect no less, and do no less.  The same principle applies.  We can be saved, but be lazy, indifferent, and ineffective. By God’s grace, we will surely go to heaven, but we will make little impact on our world.  The great saints of the Bible and throughout church history were those that were passionately intentional about seeking God.  They rose up early, they set time aside, they forfeited other opportunities, they didn’t waste time doing things that benefited little.

They weren’t legalistic with themselves, but they realized that not all things are beneficial.  They denied their flesh, and discovered the great joy of the disciplined Christian life.  What formerly felt “needful to do” eventually became a passion.  What previously seemed like a sacrifice now became “obviously unneeded”.  Like Jehoshaphat, they “prepared their hearts to seek the Lord”.

“Preparing your heart to seek the Lord” does not require exceptional talent, intelligence, or gifting.  It is simply and only a matter of intention.  It is not for the purpose of being great in front of others, but of being close to God. “Preparing your heart to seek the Lord” benefits the Christian with personal holiness, greater peace, and more of a sense of what the Spirit is doing in his/her world.

What kind of Christian will you be?  One who seeks God only when there is trouble, or one who seeks God that he/she might draw near, be filled and sent out, knowing that there is trouble on every side, and that there are many needs in many lives?

Carve out a time to meet with God.  Find your quiet place.  Be intentional.  Make it a priority.  Quit doing something else so that you can do this. Knowledge of doctrine will not settle your heart…but closeness to God will.

Prepare your heart to seek the Lord.