“There are four basic courses by which we can live. These may not be planned but they will be followed regardless. Every life follows a set of rules, a default of ideals that have been caught more than taught. What do we want our future to be especially in light of this battle we are in? Look at these four choices we have:
1. We live a life of reaction. With this paradigm we plod forward until something forces us to change...the loss of a job forces us to find another...the perceived acceptance or rejection of another will dictate our circle of friendships. Many times we only change when we are faced with the consequences of our bad decisions. Cordeiro says a life of reaction is disorienting, a dangerous way to live, but the majority of people have chosen this lifestyle, most of them, because they have chosen no other course.
1. We live a life of reaction. With this paradigm we plod forward until something forces us to change...the loss of a job forces us to find another...the perceived acceptance or rejection of another will dictate our circle of friendships. Many times we only change when we are faced with the consequences of our bad decisions. Cordeiro says a life of reaction is disorienting, a dangerous way to live, but the majority of people have chosen this lifestyle, most of them, because they have chosen no other course.
2. We live a life of conformity. In this course of life, we live according to the view of the crowd. We float on the current of popular opinion. This explains how the crowd in Jerusalem could go from Hosanna to Crucify with Jesus. It is another dangerous way to live...it puts you at the mercy of opinion.
3. We live a life of independence. Men and women who choose this course for life cherish the illusion of autonomy...self-reliance, self-direction, and self-sufficiency. They are usually the smartest person in the room...just ask them. Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
4. We live a life of intentionality. A life of intentionality is the re-structured life that we must choose... as good soldiers of Jesus Christ we must discipline ourselves to fall in line and obey!
2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” We must be intentional about our walk with God...we are no longer babies who are fed, clothed, and taken care of automatically. We choose to discipline ourselves, we choose to fight the good fight, we choose to run the race. If you do not live a life of intentionality you will gravitate to a life of reaction, conformity, or independence. Let’s be good soldiers of Jesus and serve Him gladly!
