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Apr 18, 2024 06:00am

Living Intentionally

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In our puppy training program, there’s a reason behind all that we do. From the CDs and radios that play to the tools, equipment, and machinery we use around them, there’s a purpose. Even taking them to town isn’t just a fun outing. They get socialization, learning to be controlled while walking on a lead, new textures, smells, sounds, and stairs. It’s all intentional.

Take crate training, for example. Some might look at it and think, “I feel bad for having them in a crate all night.” But in reality, the crate is the safest place, not just for your shoes and furniture, but for them as well. If you leave them out unsupervised… well, just ask any vet about the items they have surgically removed from a dog’s stomach. We teach them early on that the crate is safe and a place where they can rest. And by eliminating distractions and providing music or a sound machine, they are content.

We could read every book written on training, watch all the videos, and attend a dozen workshops, but until we put it into action, no dog will get trained.

When we start, we are intentional with every command, action, and piece of our training. We don’t want any opportunity to go to waste.

John 9:1
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.”

I love this!

Jesus just “passed by.” The King James Version makes it sound like He just “happened by” this man. But if you go to the Greek, it’s the word “paragō,” which means “to lead.”

Suddenly, by going to the root of this word, we see coincidence becomes intent.

Jesus didn’t just casually walk through this world. He had a purpose, one that was designed and directed by God. This blind man wasn’t just a happenstance. He may have felt forgotten, discarded, or disgraced in this broken world, but Jesus was coming to him. Not only did Jesus miraculously heal this man, but He also used it as a teaching moment for His followers.

How intentional are we? We, too, were created by God for a purpose. If you have surrendered your life to the Lord and chosen to follow Him, that, too, comes with a purpose. Jesus gave us the Great Commission. Do you know what it is?

Was it to learn as much as you can about the Bible?

Was it to have as many scriptures memorized as possible?

Was it to do countless good works in His name?

Was it to fill the pews of the church every time the doors are open?

As crazy as this may sound, it wasn’t. That’s not what He commanded His followers to do.

Now, ALL of those things are good, and if you are following Christ, you will
– study the Bible
– memorize scripture
– serve Him
– be a part of a local church

But there’s purpose behind ALL of those things – it’s to fulfill the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Go and make disciples.

The point is to be intentional.

Don’t just do those things we listed because you think it makes someone “look like a good Christian.” Do them to prepare you to fulfill the Great Commission!!

If we say we are following Jesus, then let’s actually do life the way He did.

With intent. With purpose.

Get up! Get equipped! And get Going!