Intentional Life: Living on Purpose vs Living on Autopilot
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10
10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord
Ephesians 3:10-11
For the past few weeks, Pastor Daniel has shown us through the life of the prophet Hosea that God’s love for us is intentional. This week, he builds on that truth by asking whether our lives reflect that same intentional love toward one another. Are we living in a way that demonstrates the kind of purposeful love that God shows us?
Let us first define intention. While the Bible does not often use the word “intention,” Pastor Daniel explained that when we expand the idea to include words like thoughts, desires, purpose, and plans, we gain a clearer understanding of what intention means. He also shared that the word intention used here reflects the image of a potter shaping clay with care and purpose.
This is an important question for us to consider, because Scripture shows that apart from God, our intentions can easily become misaligned (Gen. 6:5). So then, what is God’s intention?
Through passages such as Luke 19:10, Ephesians 3:10–11, Jeremiah 29:11, and John 10:10, we see that God’s intention is to seek and save the lost and to bring about His good purposes for us.
God’s intention is not passive—His work is purposeful and active. We see His plan in action through these purposes:
Build the church
Seek and save the lost
Lead us into abundant life
As we see God working in this way, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do our lives reflect God’s purpose? And how can we continue aligning our hearts with His?
1. Be intentional with those God has placed in your life
Romans 10:14 reminds us that the mission God gives us is one of action. Although God is sovereign and able to do all things, He chooses to work through His people. This does not mean everyone is called to preach publicly, but it does mean that each of us is called to participate in Jesus’ mission of making disciples. We can be intentional in loving, serving, and pointing others toward Christ in the relationships God has already given us.
2. Be intentional with your words
Scripture teaches that our words carry great power (Prov. 18:21; James 3:5). In a moment, our words can either build someone up or tear them down. Jesus warns us not to speak carelessly (Matt. 12:36), reminding us to choose our words with thoughtfulness and grace. When spoken intentionally, our words can bring encouragement, healing, and blessing to others.
3. Be intentional with your time and resources
Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, our hearts will be also (Matt. 6:19–21). When we intentionally devote our time, energy, and resources to what matters to God, our hearts become more aligned with His mission. Intentional stewardship helps cultivate hearts that are invested in seeking and serving the lost.
Pastor Daniel challenges us to align our goals with God’s and to take meaningful steps toward participating in His work and not be stuck on autopilot. Intentional love requires action, and when our plans are met with faithful obedience, we become active participants in God’s purpose.
Reflection Questions:
If someone observed my life closely, would they be able to see evidence of God’s intentional love through me?
Who has God placed in my life right now that I can love more intentionally?
What is one intentional step you can take this week to better reflect God’s love to someone else?
