Finding Purpose: Intentional Living with God at the Center

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often grapple with the question of significance and purpose. How is your life working for you? This question invites us to reflect on our daily existence and the deeper meaning behind it. Today, I am speaking from a Benedictine Abbey, a place of profound beauty and spiritual reflection, where I am gathered with others to explore how we can help those who follow Jesus find a transformational and life-giving way of life. This concept, often referred to as a "rule of life," is not about rigid rules but about discovering a way of living where we can find God in every moment.

Reflect on your current way of life. Is it intentional or accidental? Does it serve you well or poorly? The psalmist in Psalm 1 speaks of the blessed person who delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. This is not about legalistic adherence but about immersing our minds in God's story, truth, and presence. Our thoughts dwell on something, and when they dwell on what is good, we find joy and delight, which is the essence of a healthy life.

Throughout history, communities have sought distinct ways of life that foster spiritual growth and transformation. From the early Christians in Acts 2 to the monastic communities in the desert, these ways of life were marked by intentionality and a focus on union with God. However, as Christianity became more mainstream, the intensity and distinctiveness of these ways of life diminished. Yet, figures like Anthony in the desert and Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany sought to reclaim a way of life that was transformative and distinct.

Today, we are invited to find God in all things, as Ignatius of Loyola taught. Whether in conversation, nature, or daily tasks, God is present. The question remains: How is your life working for you? How might you rearrange your life to find the blessed life you are made for? This is not about doing different things but doing the same things in different ways, with God at the center.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Living: Reflect on whether your way of life is intentional or accidental. A life lived with purpose and intention aligns with God's story and truth, bringing joy and delight. [02:29]

2. Finding God in All Things: Embrace the practice of finding God in every aspect of life, from conversations to nature. This awareness transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth. [09:48]

3. The Power of Community: Throughout history, communities have formed around distinct ways of life that foster spiritual transformation. Consider how your community can support a life centered on God. [06:43]

4. Rearranging Life with God: The invitation is not to do different things but to do the same things in new ways, with God at the center. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and blessed life. [11:04]

5. The Question of Significance: Continually ask yourself, "How is my life working for me?" This question prompts reflection and can guide you toward a life that is truly significant and aligned with God's purpose. [12:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - The Question of Significance
- [00:45] - A Gathering for Transformation
- [01:10] - The Beauty of the Abbey
- [01:50] - A Rule of Life
- [02:29] - Reflecting on Our Way of Life
- [03:05] - The Blessed Person
- [03:57] - Delighting in God's Presence
- [04:41] - The Way of the Righteous
- [05:11] - Following Jesus' Way
- [06:03] - The Early Christian Community
- [06:43] - Monastic Communities
- [07:23] - Modern Examples of a Rule of Life
- [09:48] - Finding God in All Things
- [11:04] - Rearranging Life with God
- [12:15] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 1:1-3
2. Acts 2:42-47
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 1, what characteristics define the "blessed person"? How does this person differ from those who follow the way of the wicked? [03:05]

2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the key practices of the early Christian community that contributed to their distinct way of life?

3. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "rule of life," and how is it different from following a set of rigid rules? [02:04]

4. What examples from history were mentioned in the sermon that illustrate communities forming around a distinct way of life? [06:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of "finding God in all things," as taught by Ignatius of Loyola, challenge or enhance one's daily spiritual practice? [09:48]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that intentional living aligns with God's story and truth, and how might this bring joy and delight? [02:29]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the power of community in fostering spiritual transformation, and what role does intentionality play in this process? [06:43]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of rearranging one's life with God at the center, and how might this lead to a more fulfilling life? [11:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current way of life. Is it more intentional or accidental? What steps can you take to align it more closely with God's story and truth? [02:29]

2. Consider a routine task you do daily. How can you practice finding God in that moment, transforming it into an opportunity for spiritual growth? [09:48]

3. Think about your community or small group. How can you collectively support each other in living a life centered on God? What practical steps can you take together? [06:43]

4. The sermon invites us to rearrange our lives with God at the center. Identify one area of your life that feels out of alignment with this invitation. What changes can you make this week to address it? [11:04]

5. The question "How is your life working for you?" is central to the sermon. How often do you take time to reflect on this question, and what insights have you gained from doing so? [12:15]

6. The sermon mentions historical figures like Anthony and Bonhoeffer who sought distinct ways of life. Who inspires you in your spiritual journey, and how can you emulate their intentionality in your own life? [06:43]

7. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 emphasizes loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength. What is one practical way you can express this love in your daily life this week? [10:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Living: Aligning with God's Story
Reflect on whether your life is lived with intention or by accident. A life of intentionality aligns with God's story and truth, bringing joy and delight. The psalmist in Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as one who delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. This is not about legalistic adherence but about immersing oneself in God's presence and truth. When our thoughts dwell on what is good, we find joy and delight, which is the essence of a healthy life. Consider how your daily actions and decisions reflect your intentional pursuit of God's purpose. [02:29]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional in aligning with God's purpose today?


Day 2: Finding God in All Things: Transforming the Ordinary
Embrace the practice of finding God in every aspect of life, from conversations to nature. This awareness transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth. Ignatius of Loyola taught that God is present in all things, inviting us to see the divine in the mundane. By recognizing God's presence in daily tasks and interactions, we open ourselves to a deeper spiritual experience and transformation. This practice encourages us to live with a heightened sense of awareness and gratitude. [09:48]

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to recognize God's presence in a routine task you will do today?


Day 3: The Power of Community: Supporting a God-Centered Life
Throughout history, communities have formed around distinct ways of life that foster spiritual transformation. From the early Christians in Acts 2 to monastic communities, these groups were marked by intentionality and a focus on union with God. Consider how your community can support a life centered on God. Being part of a community that shares a common spiritual goal can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Reflect on the role your community plays in your spiritual journey and how you can contribute to its growth. [06:43]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively contribute to the spiritual growth of your community this week?


Day 4: Rearranging Life with God: A New Perspective
The invitation is not to do different things but to do the same things in new ways, with God at the center. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and blessed life. By placing God at the center of our daily activities, we can experience a transformation in how we perceive and engage with the world. This approach encourages us to see our routines and responsibilities as opportunities for spiritual growth and connection with God. Reflect on how you can rearrange your life to prioritize God's presence in all that you do. [11:04]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one daily habit you can adjust to ensure God is at the center of your life?


Day 5: The Question of Significance: Aligning with God's Purpose
Continually ask yourself, "How is my life working for me?" This question prompts reflection and can guide you toward a life that is truly significant and aligned with God's purpose. By regularly evaluating our lives, we can identify areas that need realignment with God's will. This practice encourages us to live with purpose and intention, seeking a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. Reflect on how your current way of life aligns with God's purpose and what changes you might need to make. [12:15]

"Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one aspect of your life that you feel is not aligned with God's purpose, and what step can you take today to address it?

Quotes

I want to talk to you today as we think about how we're made to count and we have a drive for significance that God has placed in us about a question how is your life working for you and then offer an invitation and that is to find God in all things. [00:19:30]

I wanted to talk about this idea of a way of life or the language that's sometimes used for it in spiritual communities historically is a rule of life that can be kind of off-putting because rules do not sound very life-giving but the idea was actually not rules in the plural but a way of life really what's a way of life where I can find God in each moment. [00:117:24]

We have a way of life whether it's accidental or on purpose whether it is serving us well or serving us badly and wise people have always understood the importance of this so go back to the first psalm and the psalmist says blessed is the person. [00:165:959]

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the steps of Sinners or stand in the way of the wicked or sit in the seat of the scornful now those sound like really bad things to do what's the idea there well that's just the person who doesn't live the way that everybody else does who doesn't live by default that's just the way the world runs. [00:186:720]

The blessed person finds Delight in the law of the Lord and on this law they meditate day and night they'll be like a tree planted by rivers of water whose leaves never with them whatever they do prospers bear fruit in their season and the idea really comes to our mind here again obviously nobody's going to sit around and meditate on The Book of Leviticus all day long but the idea of the law of Torah is God's story God's truth God's goodness God's presence for us. [00:212:519]

Our minds all dwell on something and sometimes they Delight in it sometimes we are fearful of it but to dwell of to dwell on our minds on what is good and to find Delight in it and joy in it that's the core of a healthy life the end of the psalm it says for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous or truly good people not just over the people but over their way but the Way of the Wicked lost people. [00:241:980]

In Jesus day it was quite simple if people wanted to find a new way of life they would just physically follow him around and they knew they had left what they were doing before left the boats left the Nets they're following Jesus around so there was a very clear way of life and then after Jesus resurrected this new community got formed the Holy Spirit came and Acts 2 describes a way of life around verse 42 they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to prayer. [00:302:940]

Christianity spread eventually Constantine said now that's the mandatory religion in the Roman Empire and it kind of got deluded it kind of got just you could live a regular old life and as long as you believed a few of the right things about Jesus then you were in but there was no power in that way of life because it was not designed to bring people into Union with God and to be increasingly freed from sin and guilt and Brokenness and filled with love and joy and compassion. [00:371:759]

A man named Anthony went out into the desert to try to find another way of life and other people started doing that and they experienced such profound spiritual power that people began to flock out to them and so they formed communities like the Benedictine community and they found a certain way of life they would arrange everything they did how they handled possessions what time they got up how they prayed the clothes that they wore they would relate to each other when and how they would eat around the goal of Union with God blessed the blessed life. [00:399:300]

Ignatius actually called out onto the carpet one of his followers true story who was advising people to pray for more than an hour a day Ignatius says no no the truly mortified person shouldn't need more than five minutes to be able to connect fully with God because he had to have people that were ready to move here's what he told people to do he told the people that were following him to find God in all things that's a phrase that's deeply associated with Ignatius and of course deeply associated with the Bible find God in all things. [00:561:240]

In talking with someone when you speak to somebody listen for what God might say through them see God in them in walking do I walk with God and looking I set the lord always before me as I look around here I see God in nature I see God in this building I see God in art I see God in Beauty in tasting taste and see that the Lord is good in hearing the fundamental text for Israel Deuteronomy 6 4 that they would say every morning and every night hear o Israel the Lord Our God the Lord is one him so you loveth all your heart soul and mind and strength in thinking find God in your thinking the mindset on the spirit is life and peace and in everything they do. [00:589:740]

The invitation find God in everything the question how's your life working for you how would you like to rearrange your life we all arrange our lives so this is nothing that we need to be overwhelmed by the question is is not so much doing different things but doing the same old things we used to do in different ways like when you go to sleep at night what would you like for that moment to be like how do you go to sleep with God what would it be like to wake up with God and face the day with anticipation lift up your hearts take a moment to do that. [00:652:200]

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Transcript
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