Be Intent on Intentionality!

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” Ephesians 5:15-16

In our connected world, we are pretty relational. We love to meet for coffee, meet up to play basketball or pickleball, hang out for dinner or celebrations. We gather online, in person, at events.

My question is: As followers of Jesus, are we also intentional while we’re being relational?

In other words, how can we “make the most of every opportunity” when we are together so that we honor God, demonstrate his love, teach his good news, make disciples and live as salt and light?

I have a few ideas!

*Ask great questions while at a meal: What’s been a highlight of your week or how can I pray for you?

*Plan ahead (use your calendar), so you can send handwritten birthday cards in the mail. What a treat!

*Take some time each week to text friends and family to let them know you’re thinking of them and praying for them (and actually pray for them!)

*Be intentional to find out what a person’s favorite scripture is or ask them for a few that have been meaningful in their lives. Pray these verses over your friends.

*Here’s another one: A couple weeks ago for my husband’s birthday, I made up a questions game to play at dinner so we could intentionally show him we love him! I knew that in order to get the teens to share their affection in a meaningful way, we’d need a conduit or a path! It was simple: I typed 10 questions on a piece of paper (some funny, some thoughtful), printed them and then cut them out and put them in a bowl. We passed the bowl around for one person to pick a question and read it, and then we all answered it! It was fun; everyone participated and answered and laughed, and most of all, we honored Eric on his birthday!

Some examples of the questions:

If Eric were stuck on a desert island, what 3 or 4 items would he want with him?

What characteristics of Eric’s do you want to have when you’re 45 years old?

What Teen Titans Go character is Eric most like?

Will Auburn (his alma mater) win the Final 4 this year?

What face would Eric make if he sent you a Snapchat?

What do you love about Eric?

What’s a funny memory you have with Eric?

Take some time to think about how you can demonstrate God’s love to others through being intentional! We are not promised tomorrow so make the most of today!