Living with Intentionality: Purposeful Paths in Life
Summary
In our journey through life, it's crucial to live with intentionality and purpose. As we navigate the complexities of our personal, family, and ministry lives, we must regularly assess and recalibrate our paths to ensure we are heading in the right direction. This practice of intentional living involves evaluating our goals, values, and mission to avoid drifting off course. Just as a slight miscalculation can lead a spacecraft to miss its target, so too can a lack of intentionality lead us away from our desired destination.
To live intentionally, we must start with the end in mind. This means envisioning the legacy we want to leave and the impact we wish to have. By developing a personal vision statement, we can distill the essence of what we believe God has called us to be. This statement serves as a guiding light, helping us focus on what truly matters and avoid being swayed by external pressures or distractions.
Additionally, creating a vision script can help us paint a vivid picture of our desired future. This exercise involves stepping into the future and describing what we want to see in our lives, relationships, and ministries. It allows us to set tangible goals and align our actions with our long-term vision.
However, intentional living requires more than just setting goals. It demands regular evaluation and reflection. Time and repetition alone do not lead to improvement; we must assess our progress and make necessary adjustments. By building in evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection times, we can ensure that we are continually growing and aligning our lives with God's purpose.
Ultimately, living intentionally means being disciplined and intentional about how we spend our time and energy. It means prioritizing what truly matters and avoiding the trap of living on autopilot. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with purpose, knowing that our time on earth is short. By leading ourselves well and living intentionally, we can make a meaningful impact and hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Key Takeaways:
1. Intentional Living Requires Regular Assessment: To avoid drifting off course, we must regularly assess our personal, family, and ministry lives. This practice helps us recalibrate and ensure we are heading in the right direction, much like a spacecraft needing precise calculations to reach its destination. [01:18]
2. Start with the End in Mind: Envisioning the legacy we want to leave and the impact we wish to have is crucial. By developing a personal vision statement, we can focus on what truly matters and avoid being swayed by external pressures or distractions. [08:52]
3. Create a Vision Script for Your Future: A vision script helps us paint a vivid picture of our desired future, allowing us to set tangible goals and align our actions with our long-term vision. This exercise involves stepping into the future and describing what we want to see in our lives, relationships, and ministries. [18:54]
4. Regular Evaluation and Reflection are Essential: Time and repetition alone do not lead to improvement. We must assess our progress and make necessary adjustments. By building in evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection times, we can ensure continual growth and alignment with God's purpose. [32:16]
5. Live Intentionally with Discipline: Living intentionally means being disciplined about how we spend our time and energy. It involves prioritizing what truly matters and avoiding the trap of living on autopilot. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with purpose, knowing that our time on earth is short. [36:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - Importance of Regular Assessment
- [02:06] - Miscalculations and Their Consequences
- [05:00] - Planning Your Journey
- [06:26] - Living with Intentionality
- [07:59] - Clarifying Your Purpose
- [08:52] - Three Key Practices
- [10:11] - Begin with the End in Mind
- [14:36] - Crafting a Personal Vision Statement
- [15:30] - Importance of Regular Reminders
- [17:40] - Avoiding Misplaced Investments
- [18:54] - Creating a Vision Script
- [20:31] - Planning with God's Sovereignty
- [22:22] - Vision Script Exercise
- [23:50] - Setting Tangible Goals
- [26:33] - Importance of Discipline
- [28:28] - Dangers of Drifting
- [32:16] - Evaluating and Improving
- [36:30] - Living Intentionally with Purpose
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Intentionally
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
2. James 4:13-15 - "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
3. Matthew 25:21 - "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples given in the sermon of how a lack of intentionality can lead us off course in life? [02:06]
2. How does the sermon describe the importance of starting with the end in mind? [08:52]
3. What is a vision script, and how does it help in living intentionally according to the sermon? [18:54]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should evaluate our progress in life and ministry? [32:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of starting with the end in mind relate to the biblical teaching in Philippians 3:13-14 about pressing toward the goal? [10:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living intentionally aligns with the biblical principle of acknowledging God's sovereignty in our plans, as seen in James 4:13-15? [20:31]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant" in the context of living a life of purpose and intentionality? [36:30]
4. What role does regular evaluation and reflection play in aligning our lives with God's purpose, according to the sermon? [32:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life path. Are there areas where you feel you might be drifting off course? What steps can you take to recalibrate and live more intentionally? [02:06]
2. Consider your personal vision statement. If you haven't created one, what are some key elements you would include to ensure it aligns with God's calling for your life? [14:36]
3. How can you incorporate regular evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection into your weekly routine to ensure you are growing and aligning with God's purpose? [32:16]
4. Identify one area in your life where you feel you are living on autopilot. What specific actions can you take this week to live more intentionally in that area? [06:26]
5. Think about the legacy you want to leave. What practical steps can you take today to work towards that vision? [08:52]
6. How can you ensure that your goals and actions are aligned with your long-term vision and God's purpose for your life? [18:54]
7. Reflect on the biblical principle of acknowledging God's will in your plans. How can you practice this in your daily decision-making? [20:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Regular Assessment Prevents Drift
In life, it's easy to drift off course without realizing it. Just as a spacecraft requires precise calculations to reach its destination, our lives need regular assessment to ensure we are heading in the right direction. This involves evaluating our personal, family, and ministry lives to see if they align with our goals and values. By doing so, we can recalibrate our paths and make necessary adjustments to avoid unintended outcomes. Regular assessment is not just about identifying what's wrong but also about celebrating progress and growth. It helps us stay focused on our mission and purpose, ensuring that we are living intentionally and not merely reacting to life's circumstances. [01:18]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs a closer examination today to ensure you are on the right path?
Day 2: Envision Your Legacy
Living with intentionality begins with envisioning the legacy you want to leave behind. This involves thinking about the impact you wish to have on others and the world around you. By developing a personal vision statement, you can distill the essence of what you believe you are called to be. This statement acts as a guiding light, helping you focus on what truly matters and avoid being swayed by external pressures or distractions. It is a powerful tool that keeps you grounded and aligned with your core values and mission. Starting with the end in mind allows you to live each day with purpose and clarity, knowing that your actions are contributing to a greater legacy. [08:52]
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." (Proverbs 4:25-26, ESV)
Reflection: What legacy do you want to leave behind, and how can you start living in a way that reflects that vision today?
Day 3: Crafting a Vision Script
Creating a vision script is a powerful exercise that helps you paint a vivid picture of your desired future. This involves stepping into the future and describing what you want to see in your life, relationships, and ministries. By doing so, you can set tangible goals and align your actions with your long-term vision. A vision script is not just about dreaming but about making those dreams actionable and achievable. It provides clarity and direction, helping you prioritize your time and energy on what truly matters. This practice encourages you to be proactive in shaping your future rather than passively waiting for it to unfold. [18:54]
"Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific goals can you set today that align with your vision for the future?
Day 4: The Importance of Evaluation and Reflection
Time and repetition alone do not lead to improvement. To grow and align your life with your purpose, regular evaluation and reflection are essential. This involves assessing your progress and making necessary adjustments to stay on track. Building in evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection times allows you to ensure continual growth and alignment with God's purpose. It is a time to pause, reflect, and seek guidance on how to move forward. This practice helps you avoid complacency and encourages you to be intentional about your personal and spiritual development. [32:16]
"Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes." (Haggai 1:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate regular times of evaluation and reflection into your routine to ensure you are growing and aligning with your purpose?
Day 5: Living with Discipline and Purpose
Living intentionally means being disciplined about how you spend your time and energy. It involves prioritizing what truly matters and avoiding the trap of living on autopilot. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with purpose, knowing that our time on earth is short. By leading ourselves well and living intentionally, we can make a meaningful impact and hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Discipline is not about restriction but about freedom to focus on what is truly important. It empowers you to live a life that is aligned with your values and purpose, making every moment count. [36:30]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to exercise more discipline to live intentionally and with purpose?
Quotes
"I believe that it's important to do an assessment individually and corporately on a regular basis. I call it intentional living. Intentional living. I believe that we need to. As leaders. Assess. Assess ourselves. Assess our personal life and family. And assess our ministry. On a fairly regular basis, because it's easy to get off course." [00:00:59] (43 seconds)
"Many of us end up living, I believe, on autopilot as opposed to intentionally calibrating our destination. Let me say that again. Most people in your congregation and most leaders that I run into put very little intentionality into how they live and living on purpose." [00:06:04] (22 seconds)
"If you don't have clear your values and your mission and your purpose, then other people will impose it upon you. And sometimes you'll start taking on values that really aren't valuable to you because other people have imposed it on you." [00:07:41] (17 seconds)
"Start with the end in mind. People are at your funeral. Your body's been buried. Your wife's talking about you. People are saying things. And everybody says nice things at funerals, so don't. I've been at funerals of really rough characters and you would think they're saints. I mean, they're like, wow." [00:14:26] (32 seconds)
"And so I think you need to start with the end in mind, because you could find yourself really investing a lot of time and energy in the things that matter. And I think that's what you're going to find. And I think ultimately, you wake up one day and say, well, why did I do that?" [00:17:52] (14 seconds)
"Goals can be compelling, but many people aren't necessarily motivated by goals unless you describe it. At Moody, I started by establishing a 2030, doubling our impact, and so people wanted to know what the numbers were to that, and I was like okay, but I realized that not everybody's captured, most people aren't captured by numbers but they need to, you need to color within the lines and draw the pictures." [00:22:55] (38 seconds)
"Build an evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection times by that I mean build an evaluation and spirit-fueled reflection times by that I mean that time plus repetition does not necessarily equal improvement unless it's evaluated you can do the same mistake over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again just because you're a public speaker doesn't mean you get better at it it just means you get more comfortable with it but but you could be comfortable with something that you're bad." [00:31:13] (41 seconds)
"I don't think that we will, if we're wasting our most precious thing that's life and time and energy, then I think we will wake up one day and say, I wish I hadn't. so I want to challenge you. Some of the methods I've described, you know, they're not, you know, set in stone. They may not work for you. You develop whatever method. Some of the principles I've talked to you, though, are transcendent and I think work for everything." [00:36:30] (32 seconds)
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