It is not Intended

For too many churches and Christians the way of Jesus is not intended. I’ve spent countless hours with churches talking about all sorts of mission and formation initiatives. And the questions are all generally the same, “How do we do X?” My answer over the years has converged upon a single word: Intentionality. You must intend and decide to do this thing. You can’t wish or want or plan or discuss or talk or vision. You must intend.
- Note: And constantly measure your intentions against your actions, i.e. if you don’t do it you don’t actually intend it. Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t adjust your intentions, what you originally intended might be out of reach for you, either at the moment or for all time — in which case don’t change your understanding of what an intention is just so you can hold onto this one.
There’s a huge difference between wanting to be like Jesus and intending to be like Jesus.