Living Intentionally: The Heart of Discipleship

Gary Bush March 17, 2025

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves caught between the doing and the being. We become so focused on what we think God wants us to do that we forget about simply being with Him. This tension between action and presence is at the core of true discipleship, and it’s a theme that resonates throughout scripture.

Consider the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10. As Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This passage beautifully illustrates the importance of developing a singular focused priority in our spiritual lives. While Martha’s hospitality was admirable, Jesus pointed out that Mary’s choice to be present and listen was even better. It’s a powerful reminder that in our relationship with God, being often trumps doing.

But what does it mean to truly grow spiritually? The apostle Peter gives us insight in 1 Peter 2:2-3: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” This imagery of spiritual hunger emphasizes that growth is an active, ongoing process. We’re called to continually desire more of God, to crave His presence and His Word like a baby craves milk.

This growth isn’t meant to happen in isolation. God calls us into relationship – not just with Him, but with others in the body of Christ. Ephesians 4 speaks of how different gifts and roles within the church work together “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” We’re all part of this grand mission of reconciliation, each playing our unique part in God’s plan.

However, it’s crucial to guard against complacency. It’s easy to fall into a spiritual rut, to become comfortable with where we are in our faith journey. But God continually calls us to “go further up and further in,” as C.S. Lewis so eloquently put it. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages us: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

At the heart of this growth and intentional living is understanding our relationship with God. It’s not a master-servant dynamic, but something far more intimate. 1 John 3 reminds us of the astounding truth: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” This relationship is both a conscious choice and an emotional connection. Like a marriage, it requires commitment even when feelings fluctuate.

Our spiritual growth is profoundly influenced by how we perceive God’s perception of us. If we view God as a distant, angry judge, it will stunt our growth. But when we grasp the depth of His love – a love so great that He sent His Son to die for us while we were still sinners – it transforms everything. In Christ, God sees not our sin, but the righteousness of His Son.

This understanding should lead to change. As one poignant saying goes, “If God’s grace doesn’t change you, you don’t really have God’s grace.” While we’ll never achieve perfection in this life, genuine faith should produce visible fruit. It’s not a license to sin, but a catalyst for transformation.

No matter what you’ve done, remember this powerful truth: No sin ever committed is stronger than the blood of Jesus. His grace is sufficient, His love is endless, and His power to change lives is limitless.

So how do we live intentionally as disciples? It starts with surrender. Are we truly yielding every area of our lives to Christ? Psalm 42:1-2 captures the heart attitude we should cultivate: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

This intentional living might mean making practical changes. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, why not use that time to read Scripture? If you have a long commute, consider listening to an audio Bible. Find those pockets of time in your day and fill them with things that nurture your soul.

Psalm 119:10-12 offers a beautiful prayer for the intentional disciple: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.”

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to make discipleship a true priority. Be intentional about spending time in God’s presence. Cultivate a craving for His Word. Seek out community with other believers who can sharpen you spiritually.

Remember, following Jesus is not about perfection, but direction. It’s about consistently turning our hearts toward Him, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. As we do this, we’ll find ourselves growing in ways we never imagined, becoming more like Christ and better equipped to share His love with a world in desperate need.

So today, take a step toward intentional discipleship. Whether it’s setting aside time for prayer, diving deeper into Scripture, or reaching out to a fellow believer for accountability, choose to prioritize your relationship with God. For in His presence, we find our true purpose, our deepest joy, and the strength to live out our calling as His disciples in this world.