“An intentional life embraces only the things that will add to the mission of significance.” – John C. Maxwell
What is Intentionality?
Online dictionaries define it as being deliberate and purposive. I would expound that definition and say that intentionality is having the synergy of beliefs, expectations, desires, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors all directed at a goal. In essence, it is ensuring that nothing in you (i.e. behavior, attitude, and mindset) is working contrary to your goal. When we are intentional about something, our body coordinates with the mind to say things and take actions that take us where we want. I believe that the opposite of intentionality is ambivalence. When we’re intentional;
- Nothing else matters more than our goal or desire- The desire to rebuild the wall consumed Nehemiah to the extent he could not eat the king’s delicacies. So, you cannot claim to be intentional about your goals if they are not preoccupying you.
- Our speech and priorities change– Nehemiah did not stammer on what he needed. He asked the king to issue orders for timber and other materials. The same Nehemiah who served as a cupbearer was now interested more in a different task.
- We detest comfort zone– Nehemiah could have chosen to ignore the message and remain a cupbearer. However, his intentionality could not allow him.
Why is intentionality necessary for accelerated life?
1. Intentionality elicits immediate action and personal responsibility-
Our lives grow faster and we achieve our goals quicker when intentionality leads to immediate action plan and responsibility. Nehemiah did not waste time blaming anyone for the ruins, Gideon did not go looking for the prophets of Baal; still, David did not rebuke the soldiers for fearing Goliath. This is what happens when intentionality grips you. Instead of complaining about who did what and whining how you are a victim, you rise up and develop a bull-dog tenacity to achieve.
2. Intentionality triggers divine intervention-
God was at the center of everything Nehemiah was doing and saying. He inspired him to ask for building materials and the passage to the “construction site.” We must learn that God does not engage us at the point of ambivalence, lethargy, and ambiguity. We must make up our minds, and when we do, He intervenes and walks with us. So, Antony, you cannot accelerate your life and you cannot see divine intervention at WML or any other area of your life until you become INTENTIONAL! We’ve already learned that intentionality will cause you to change your mindset, behavior, and priorities to ensure they fit your target. God’s waiting for you to do this before He intervenes.
3. Intentionality breeds consistency-
When we become intentional, consistency follows. We never count how many times we’ve failed. Instead, we keep going forward until we reach our goal because the power of intentionality pushes us. Moses kept asking Pharaoh to let the people go. He did not change tune and he did not postpone any meeting. An accelerated life demands consistency, which is only possible through intentionality. Nehemiah faced ridicule but continued with the mission.
