Intentionally comes from the word 'intention'. Intention means to do something deliberately, or a course of action that one intends to follow; to have a purpose or a goal. Another great description is 'intent implies a sustained unbroken commitment on purpose'.
I always find it interesting to hear people use words in the wrong context or use them and have no real idea of what it means or implies. Intention is a powerful word once you explore the meanings. I love the last explanation that says 'a sustained unbroken commitment on purpose'; sustained means to bear, or to hold the weight up, or to keep from giving way. Commitment means to pledge or to trust. So in other words an intentional man is saying 'I will bear all weights without giving in, I am able to be trusted at all times and I will do this on purpose'!
I think most men would agree with me when I say we are easily distracted. I like to refer to a dog stopping in his footsteps when he sees a squirrel passing; the dog stops what he is doing and stares or points right at the squirrel. Why do we have to look into the car next to us when it passes? Why are we so easily drawn to the woman walking by us? Who do we let things like sports, drugs or alcohol run or ruin our lives? Why do men not work, yet expect to be paid? Bottom line is we are easily distracted and we are not living the right kind of intentional lives.
'I will bear all weights without giving in,
I am able to be trusted at all times,
And I will do this on purpose'!
Living an intentional life is right in line with the theme for Manturity which is 'how a man develops a mature body and mind for Christ'. As we grow in age, we have to grow in maturity and that takes daily discipline. Daily discipline has to be on purpose! Here are some ways you can start to grow in maturity and be a more intentional man.
1) Access your schedule each day.
-What are you doing each day? Really? Are you making the most of your time or is it being wasted away to the TV or things that really don't matter? Write your schedule down if you have to and start rearranging accordingly. Be more productive, give more time to your wife and kids, and spend some time with God.
2) Evaluate your habits.
- Start really paying attention to your habits; like looking at the car passing you each time or breaking your neck to see the woman walking by you. What do you do with your wife everyday or how do you play with your kids? How much time do you give to Christ compared to the TV?
3) Start in the morning!
- Don't wait till the afternoon or until you get off work each day to check your life. Start each morning! Set a reminder somewhere by your bed or maybe in the bathroom. Write yourself a note and stick it somewhere or put a daily reminder on your phone calendar. There are so many ways to help you stay on track, but you have to be intentional about it!
4) Tell a Friend.
- One of the most important parts of this process is to tell a friend what you are doing. Let him or her know you want to be more intentional about your daily activities and your daily walk with Christ. Keep in touch with him or her and share your experiences whether good or bad and talk it through.
The real trick is to START NOW. Don't wait! This is where the enemy steps in and says 'ah, just start tomorrow' or 'you're doing fine right now'. I know you can handle it, so be intentional and get started!
The sluggard craves and gets nothing
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4
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