Living Intentionally

“Since the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing and forceful men take hold of it.” Jesus said that in Matthew 11:12, in the middle of talking about John the Baptist. Some translations say “violent” instead of “forceful.” Kind of a weird verse, very counter-intuitive. I mean, after all, I didn't think we were supposed to be violent and forceful – what's that about?!?

We won't get into the Greek word translated “violent” or “forceful” in this post, but I think this speaks to intentionality. It's just so easy to drift through our busy life and forget the Kingdom and why we're here. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus didn't say, “go spread salt and light.” He said, “you are the salt and the light” (my paraphrase). I think Jesus doesn't want us to make a difference as much as be the difference.

Sometimes we try to advance the Kingdom of God by salesmanship. Especially in my country, we Americans are really good at Marketing. But John, in Revelation 12:11, says the saints (us) overcame the beast (the enemy) with (1) the blood of the Lamb, and (2) the word of their testimony. We really don't need to get any more complicated than that – walking in the authority he gave us, and telling people what he's done in our lives.

May you be blessed today as you hear the Holy Spirit in every place you find yourself and are the difference our Lord is calling you to specifically be. What difference is God calling you to be in your office? In your school? In your family? In your church? Tell me in the comments and let's talk about it.