Living The Intentional Life | Edmund Chan

Time is one of the most precious gifts God has given us, and how we use it reflects the value we place on our lives and our relationship with Him. Through the story of Jack Bennett and Uncle Harold, we see that what truly matters is not material possessions or worldly success, but the time we invest in relationships and in things of eternal significance. Uncle Harold’s golden pocket watch, inscribed with gratitude for shared time, reminds us that our days are limited and should be stewarded with care and intentionality.

Ephesians 5:15-18 calls us to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This means examining the direction of our lives, being attentive to where we are headed, and not allowing distractions or trivial pursuits to consume our days. We are urged to move beyond the pursuit of mere success and instead seek a life of significance—one that is aligned with God’s purposes.

Practical steps include setting aside regular “think time” for reflection, journaling, and prayer, as well as creating “buffer time” in our schedules to avoid being overwhelmed and to allow space for meaningful conversations and growth. Life can be seen in three seasons: the discovery years (birth to 30), the defining years (30 to 60), and the deepening years (60 and above). Each season carries its own opportunities and responsibilities, whether it’s learning, contributing, or leaving a legacy.

Understanding God’s will is central to living intentionally. Rather than operating with two conflicting belief systems—God’s Word and our own preferences—we are called to anchor our lives in Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. The filling of the Spirit is not about having more of Him, but about surrendering more of ourselves to His leading. This daily surrender empowers us to live with purpose, wisdom, and strength.

As we approach the final days of history, we are entrusted with the gospel and called to “run” with everything we have for the glory of God. The challenge is to avoid living a double life or wasting our days, but instead to mean business with God, living each day intentionally, anchored in His will, and empowered by His Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Time is a Sacred Trust The story of Uncle Harold’s pocket watch teaches that the most valuable thing we can give is our time, especially in relationships. Time is a non-renewable resource, and how we spend it reveals our true priorities. We are called to steward our days as a gift from God, making our lives a meaningful offering back to Him. [03:44]
• 2. Intentional Living Requires Reflection and Margin Living wisely means regularly examining the direction of our lives and not drifting aimlessly. Setting aside “think time” for reflection and “buffer time” to avoid busyness allows us to make thoughtful decisions and invest in what truly matters. Without intentional reflection, we risk being swept along by distractions and missing God-given opportunities. [13:38]
• 3. Redeem the Present—The Power of Today We cannot change the past or control the future, but we can steward today. By using each day well, we build a redeemed past and a hopeful future. The present moment is where God’s opportunities are found, and faithfulness in the “now” shapes the legacy we leave behind. [26:47]
• 4. Anchor Your Life in God’s Will, Not Your Own True wisdom is found in seeking and doing the will of God, not merely knowing it. When we operate with two belief systems—God’s Word and our own preferences—we live a compromised life. Surrendering to God’s will, even when it is puzzling, leads to transformation, empowerment, and a life of significance. [33:32]
• 5. The Spirit-Filled Life is a Daily Surrender The key to intentional, empowered living is being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not about acquiring more of the Spirit, but about yielding more of ourselves to His control. Daily surrender to the Spirit brings wisdom, strength, and the ability to live for God’s glory in every season of life. [39:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - The Story of Jack Bennett and Uncle Harold
• [03:44] - The Value of Time and Relationships
• [04:13] - Time as God’s Gift and Our Response
• [05:21] - Four Principles for Intentional Living
• [06:07] - Examining the Direction of Your Life
• [08:19] - The Importance of Paying Attention
• [10:08] - Don’t Take Life for Granted
• [12:28] - Practical Steps: Think Time and Buffer Time
• [16:33] - Redeeming Your Time and God-Given Opportunities
• [20:17] - The Three Seasons of Life
• [25:16] - The Power of the Present Moment
• [27:39] - Determining Your Purpose: Understanding God’s Will
• [33:32] - The Danger of Double Operating Systems
• [36:42] - The Key: Be Filled with the Spirit
• [41:17] - Run for God’s Glory
• [44:18] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer
• [48:25] - Anchoring in God’s Word and Reprioritizing Life

1. According to Ephesians 5:15-18, what are the four key instructions Paul gives about how we should live?
2. In the story of Jack Bennett and Uncle Harold, what was the most valuable thing Uncle Harold left behind, and what message did it carry? [[03:44]]
3. The sermon describes three “seasons” of life. What are they, and what is the main focus of each season? [[20:17]]
4. What does the phrase “making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil” mean in the context of this passage? [[16:33]]

1. The sermon says, “Time is a gift from God. What we make of our life and our time is our gift back to God.” How does this perspective challenge the way people usually think about their schedules and priorities? [[04:13]]
2. Why does the preacher warn against living with “two operating systems”—God’s Word and our own preferences? What are the dangers of this double life? [[33:32]]
3. The sermon talks about the importance of “think time” and “buffer time.” Why are these practices necessary for living intentionally, and what might happen if we neglect them? [[13:38]]
4. What does it mean to be “filled with the Spirit” according to the sermon, and how is this different from simply trying harder to be a good Christian? [[39:30]]

1. Uncle Harold’s pocket watch was inscribed, “Thank you for our time.” Who in your life would you want to thank for the time you’ve shared together? Is there someone you need to be more intentional about spending time with this week? [[03:44]]
2. The sermon encourages us to set aside regular “think time” for reflection, journaling, and prayer. What would it look like for you to schedule even one hour this week for this purpose? What might you need to say “no” to in order to make this happen? [[13:38]]
3. The preacher divides life into discovery, defining, and deepening years. Which season are you in right now? What is one specific way you can embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of your current season? [[20:17]]
4. Are there any “distractions or trivial pursuits” that are consuming your time and keeping you from living intentionally? What is one step you can take to reduce or eliminate one of these distractions this week? [[07:41]]
5. The sermon challenges us to “anchor your life in God’s will, not your own.” Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to surrender your own preferences to God’s direction? What would it look like to take a step of surrender this week? [[33:32]]
6. The preacher says, “The filling of the Spirit is not about having more of Him, but about surrendering more of ourselves to His leading.” What is one area where you need to yield more to the Holy Spirit’s control? How can you practice daily surrender? [[39:30]]
7. The message ends with a call to “run with everything we have for the glory of God.” What does “running for God’s glory” look like in your daily life? Is there a specific action or change you feel prompted to make after hearing this sermon? [[43:34]]