Intentional Christian Happiness
Living an intentional "in Christ" life.
“Living with intention means saying no to the things that aren’t important to us so we can say yes to what matters most.” – Crystal Paine.
Jesus came to earth with a purpose and a plan to achieve it. He didn’t get distracted or put off course. He had certain things to accomplish so salvation would be possible for all who call upon the name of the Lord. Jesus repeatedly verbalized that He did not come to do this or that but to do the other. Not here to fit the expectations of other people but to do the will of His Father. To make a mutually satisfactory relationship between God and humans possible.
2Corinthians5:18; … God - reconciled us to Himself through Christ … para.
Matthew 5:17; I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
Matthew 10:34; … “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
Luke 12:51; Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you but division.
God Is Intentional
What does that have to do with Christian happiness? Thank goodness you asked!
I was going off track there.
We’re in Christ, and He is intentional. So, we are intentional.
God wants all people to be restored to a relationship with Him.
God created humans for Himself to have a family. Because of the fall, humanity is born separated from God. We were under the devil’s rule and authority. Jesus came to pay a ransom. And to defeat death! Amen, He did it! Every person can accept this gift of new life reconciliation to God in Christ. Now that is a great reason to be Happy on its own merits!
What Matters Most To Christians?
Now we can get down to the business planning for the most critical issue about our Happiness, our relationship with Father God. We are happy when we do what aligns with our new self in Christ. However, how many of us know who that is?
That is what we’ll learn from growing in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus through the relationship He saved us for! That makes Dad happy. It makes sense that a Christian’s priority is contributing to their relationship with God. To do this, we need to know Him and ourselves. Ask Father God how we fit and function together! He will help. That is part of His intention.
A Christian’s intentional priority is contributing to their relationship with God.
For many years I did not intend to have a relationship with God, let alone work on it. I didn’t know that’s why Jesus died for me. I was told Jesus died for me, so I didn’t have to go to hell. *This caused my family and me many years of misery, so it is important to me to help people who have also experienced that particular heartache.
Intentional Christian Happiness?
You probably know the old hymn - Trust and Obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
This is where you might have an issue. You won’t be the only one, but a relationship with God is not a priority for one reason or another. *Psst: It’s the flesh* All Christians have this issue to one degree or another. It might be fear or anger with God or someone else. *If you want help with this, join the Facebook group below. Whatever it is, we can work through it. *Psst: In the Spirit!* Dad IS already helping you; you are not alone in this journey.
Final Thoughts
As long as you set your mind on things above, that is, being intentional in Christ, happiness in Christ will manifest sooner than later for you and those around you.
As I said earlier, we were created for a relationship with God in Christ. Your relationship with God is not quite like a relationship with anyone else. It is fellowship, love, and trust between you and Him. It means to know Him as he knows you.
The best way to start or continue to grow in this heavenly relationship is to talk to Dad openly. Past or current hurts can cause a person to be leery of God. I can tell you from experience the only way to start healing is to Trust God with everything (even if it is about Him) that troubles you!
1 Peter 5:7 AMP casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
Not quite ready for that? Do an internet search with your questions or concerns.
If you have more questions, please join our new ‘Place of Grace’ Facebook group or comment below.
