INTENTIONAL LIVING

INTENTIONAL LIVING

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ‭‭
1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

The Lord desires to keep it simple for us. Whatever you do. Why whatever? - HIS LOVE
Because ALL of our choices (actions) are sowing a seed for a later harvest. The Lord knows that we cannot escape the harvest we have sown. 

Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:8 (NLT) Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Can you see how the saved and the unsaved can live an intentional life?

The bottomline with sin:
Sin WILL TAKE YOU FARTHER than you want to go, KEEP YOU LONGER than you want to stay, and COST YOU MORE than you want to pay.

Context and Background
The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and questions about Christian living. In chapter 10, Paul discusses the importance of living a life that honors God amidst a pagan culture, focusing particularly on how believers should handle issues of conscience, especially regarding food sacrificed to idols.

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ‭‭
1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

While this passage was originally about food, the principle can be applied to any area of life. 
"Whatever you do" - A comprehensive statement encompassing all aspects of life, whether big or small.
Whatever CHOICE YOU MAKE, do it to glorify God. In this way, you will keep your conscience clear. 
Here are some suggestions on how can we POSITION ourselves to glorify God 
- Remember - Live intentionally. 

1. Check Your Motives
Matthew 6:1 (NLT) "Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven."
Ask yourself why you do what you do — in work, family, finances, even hobbies. Is it to honor God or just serve yourself? Glorifying God starts at the heart level.

 Practical step: Begin each day with a short prayer like, “God, let everything I do today point back to You.”

2. Excel Where You’re Planted - 
Ecclesiastes 9:10a (NKJV) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;
Paul was talking to people about everyday things — even eating and drinking. So glorify God by doing your best in the ordinary stuff.

You work with the public - customer service, give excellent service.

As a husband, wife or parent, love and lead like Christ.

As a believer, speak truth with grace and integrity.

 Practical step: Whatever task you're doing, ask, “How can I do this in a way that reflects God’s character?”

3. Live With Integrity
Proverbs 10:9 (CSB) "The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out."
You glorify God when your life reflects who He is — truth, faithfulness, humility, grace.

 Practical step: Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no. In the workplace and at home, be the person people know they can trust.

4. Use Your Influence
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV) “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us...”
Whether it's your family, coworkers, or online communities your words and actions should point people to God’s goodness and wisdom.

 Practical step: Ask, “How can I leave people better than I found them — spiritually, emotionally, practically?”

5. Stay Rooted in the Word
Psalm 119:11 (NLT)“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Keep meditating on Scripture. It shapes your mindset, renews your thinking, and keeps your heart aligned with God's glory, not your own.

 Practical step: Choose a verse each week to memorize or pray over your life and decisions.
  
6. Be Thankful in All Things (not for all things)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Gratitude is a form of worship. It acknowledges that everything you have and do is from God and for God.

 Practical step: Start and end your day listing 3 things you’re thankful for. It’s a small habit that trains your heart to glorify God daily.

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ‭‭
1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

Why should whatever I do glorify God?

1. You Are Created for His Glory:

God created you with a purpose, and that purpose is to reflect His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Everything you do should point back to Him, acknowledging His greatness, goodness, and grace.

2. It's a Testimony of Your Faith:

When you live in a way that honors God, you become a living testimony to those around you.
Your actions, words, and lifestyle should direct others to see God’s character and love.

3. To Demonstrate Gratitude:

God has blessed you with life, salvation through Christ, and countless other blessings. Doing everything for His glory is a response of gratitude and worship.

4. It Aligns You with God's Will:

Living for His glory ensures that your actions are aligned with His will and purpose, avoiding selfish or sinful motivations. It’s about prioritizing God’s standards over personal desires.

5. It Brings True Fulfillment:

Real joy and fulfillment come from living according to your design — which is to glorify God (refer to #1). When you live for His glory, you experience a deeper sense of purpose and peace.

6. To Avoid Idolatry:

If you are not living for God’s glory, you are likely living for something else—whether it's personal success, recognition, or comfort. Living for God's glory keeps your focus where it should be.

No matter what you do—the core desire should be to love God and love others, and every decision should exemplify that love. 
CHOOSE TO LIVE INTENTIONALLY FOR CHRIST IN
WHATEVER YOU DO! - AMEN


STAYING UNIFIED - WE WILL THRIVE IN 2025