Intentionally Less
We live in a culture of “more and now,” we need more of everything and we need it now. Advertising, social media, movies, TV and many other outlets promote this way of thinking. We have an enemy who seeks to exploit this culture to keep us away from what God has for us and who He wants us to be.
In John 10:10 Jesus told us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief will use the culture of “more and now” to steal our peace, kill our joy, and destroy our relationship with God, while Jesus wants us to have abundant life. This abundant life is not found in material possessions, but in a life rooted in Him where He is at work shaping us into the people He created us to be. The enemy will do everything possible to stop that.
Here are a couple of areas in life where we can more intentionally lean into the abundant life God offers us.
- Less hurry – Ask yourself this question: Where can I slow down? Is it during your commute, when making a big decision, or when making a purchase? Choosing less hurry can reduce anxiety and allow us to focus on what truly matters.
- Less stuff – There are a number of Scriptures that warn us about the love of money such as 1 Timothy 6:10 and Hebrews 13:5. An abundance (accumulation?) of stuff can take away from our abundant life in Christ. Where can you lighten the stuff load? You might start by making fewer purchases, being more intentional about what you buy, and having a garage sale or donating items you no longer need. The goal is not minimalism but making sure your stuff does not keep you away from the abundant life God wants for you.
- Less Distraction – There are too many distractions in our world, all meant to feed into the “more and now” culture. The enemy wants to distract us from what’s most important so he can steal from the abundant life God has for us. If we focus intentionally on what is most valuable to us—our relationship with God and our families—and work to eliminate distractions like hurry, stuff, social media, and comparison, we will find greater peace and stronger relationships with what really matters.
These are just three simple suggestions that can have a huge impact on your life in Christ. For a moment, imagine a life with less hurry, less stuff, and less distraction, allowing you to focus more intentionally on what God has for you. Not only will this impact your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, but it will also have a positive effect on your bank balance.
To explore more about a life of greater intention, check out Jason Starinieri’s book Living Intentionally: Living Your Life on Purpose for the Glory of God.