What if what we said, did, felt, acted like, lived as; was all on purpose. What if instead of passing it off to be “a mistake in the moment” or “something which we didn’t mean” we actually thought about it, prayed for it, anticipated it. What if every word, every thought, every prayer, every second; was utilized to its maximum potential. This is truly how Jesus lived. Not in fear of what missing a moment would cause; but with expectancy for the outcome of what His awareness for each minute would bring.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
It begins in our minds, that is where we have the power to kill what is negative, and nurture what is positive. You see, we frame our references around our own experiences. If our experiences in the past, have been distorted; our ability to discern and examine the present circumstances can be off center. If we’ve been victims of the past either forced upon us or chosen by ourselves; what do we do when we have been poorly programmed by life’s events?
In the above verse, the Greek word metamorphoo is translated as “transformed” in this text. Literally, it means to change into another form. We have all the tools necessary to turn our attitudes, reactions, moods, and lives around!
“May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
If your actions, responses, attitudes, and moods are not a reaction to the Holy Spirit’s gentle leading, then you are operating according to the subtle taunting of the enemy.
Eve could have chosen to be intentional; she could have lived by what she had known to be the Truth, instead of acting on impulsive desires which were deviously planted in her. Instead of doing her job of resisting, she accepted the offer and agreed with what she would have previously recognized as deceit.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Don’t allow the devil to get away with his camouflaged prompting. It’s his job to distract, accuse, and deceive-it is your job to resist! The devil loves phrases such as “I’ve had enough” “I can’t stand her” and “I’m just in a terrible mood today”.
“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27
Don’t be so ignorant to believe that the devil has devices strong enough to destroy your power and authority. We’ve been given absolutely every tool necessary to overcome. No questions asked, no excuses. Never allow yourself to settle for anything less than the attitude, response, mood, and lifestyle that God wants you to have. I love what T.D. Jakes says in his book Woman Thou Art Loosed; “Lips that say ‘I’m in a terrible mood today’ accept what they ought to reject.”
Countless times I’ve found myself walking away from a heated discussion realizing my failure. I responded in anger, instead of love. Instead of turning away wrath with kind words- I added fuel to the fire. I furthered the problem, and brought new issues to the table.
How many times do we find ourselves wishing we would have grabbed hold of our moment. How many times do we walk away wishing we would have been intentional in our conversation. How many times do we inconsiderately do what’s convenient or seemingly satisfying, instead of accomplishing the task assigned to us. How many times do we rush through life, ignorantly overlooking our cues and missing the mark. I find myself painfully looking back; seeing divine appointments which were intentionally put in my path. They have come and gone. Oh, how easy it is to pass it off for someone else to accomplish, without even a second glance or thought.
“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!’ -Matthew 25:23
But how rewarding it is to know that you passed the test; you were given a choice. You were intentional in the way in which you handled yourself. You weren’t raging in anger, caught in a fit of emotions, or found having a bad case of impatience. You were simply walking in the spirit; at peace.
What if the gravity of our words brought harmony and restoration, instead of conflict and destruction. How different our world would be. What if we thought before we spoke, listened before we answered. What if our actions made the path straight, instead of adding questions and confusion. What if we prayed and observed before we acted. What if we were led by what we know to be truth aside from the present circumstances.
What if we weren’t power hungry, greedy, superficial or materialistic. What if our words didn’t reek with bitterness, vengeance, pride, or resentment . What if we recognized that there is a common goal. A mission at hand, and countless opportunities to further develop everything we’ve ever learned. Since the beginning, we were created to live purposefully every day, every hour, every moment- to it’s fullest potential-it’s original design.
After all, our world won’t change for the better on accident, because of a lucky streak, or by chance. I encourage you– Be Intentional; on Purpose.
