LIVING BY DESIGN - Dr. Otabil
INTENTION
If we are going to live our lives by design, then it is prudent for us to do it with an intention. We have to do things with clear motives.
Job 38: 1- 6
"Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone".
Exodus 31-1-5.
"Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts-- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship".
Points to note:
• God is a God of design. The earth didn’t just materialize or happened. He designed it. He actually determined everything concerning the earth.
• Creation (The Universe) is a product of God’s design. Everything we see around us is the product of God’s design. The whole of creation is intelligently created by Him. He is the greatest designer ever lived.
• Inventions are products of man’s design. God creates the natural order. Man invents based on what God has created. We are created to reflect the image of God.
• Design is intentional. Nothing just happen overnight. It was deliberately planned to achieve something purposeful. God is a God of order. He arranges things systematically.
What is Intention?
Intention is to do something on purpose; be willful or be deliberate. Intentions are not accidental. Our lives must be designed intentionally or purposefully. Each one of us has a burden of choice. It is a huge responsibility on us as humans. We make so many choices every day. The choices we make can be positive or negative.
‘And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die”. Genesis 2:16-17
Note:
1. Freedom/ Permission:
God gave man the responsibility of freedom. “You may freely eat”.
God’s command to Adam was optional. “You may freely eat”.
2. Restraint/ Prevention: “You shall not eat.” God’s command to Adam was definite.
3. There are consequences for choices: They can be positive or negative.
4. Every effect has a cause: Things don’t just happen. They have a cause/reason. “We are where we are because of the choices we are making. It’s not accidental”.
5. Improvement is not natural: Things just don’t improve. It requires deliberate effort /action to make it happen and that effort depends on the choices we make. Our friends, habits, knowledge etc shouldn’t determine the outcome of our lives.
Luke 14:28-32
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace”.
Note:
• When we make deliberate decision to set goals, it enables us to achieve something positive.
• Although we have so many ideas, intentions etc, we have to be analytical, thoughtful and plan effectively.
• We must build a legacy / security/ monument for our lives. This only would become a reality if we design our lives intentionally.
• There is the need for us to imagine the end/ finish product in our minds. “See the end product”.
• It is refreshing to also count the cost or evaluate it. Our lives must be evaluated or accessed periodically. It must be based on how we designed it.
• Choices come with cost. We must not run from the cost though sometimes very expensive.
• We ought not to choose battles we are not ready for. We must know our strengths and weaknesses. We must position ourselves strategically.
• Every task must be accessed critically before executing it.
• We don’t go into a battle and fight a system when we don’t have the comparative advantage. We need to prepare adequately. When there is the need for us to negotiate, we must go ahead and do so. Peacemaking must be our hallmark.
• Our lives must not be centered on emotions which eventually destroy us; rather it must be built on good intentions.
• Every level/ promotion/ transition of our lives requires change. We must be ready to accommodate the changes God brings our ways.
• Time management is very essential if we want our lives to be designed by God.
• Our work values must be reviewed periodically. We must accept and embrace change and criticism.
• If we want to fight for our destiny, we must not easily give up. There is hope for our lives if we don’t throw in the towel. With prayer, perseverance, hard work and excellence, victory shall surely be ours.
