Plow in Hope

“… the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop” (1 Corinthians 9:10, ESV).

One of my keywords for this year, a mindful prompt that gives me focus through each day, is intentional. For me, that means doing everything for a reason. But more than that, it means that my reason holds value. Admittedly, this concept comes with a steep learning curve. Sometimes I choose to dismiss the thought of intentionality rather than choose wisely. This is also intentional, but lazy.

Being intentional takes emotional energy, as well as mental effort to identify those things that will advance us toward our goal as efficiently as possible. Good farmers have understood this concept for millennia.

You can’t simply do things in whatever order you feel like, and whenever you feel like, if you want to reap a harvest. There exists a certain timeline for all crops that take advantage of the cycle of growth and maximize the availability of water and nutrients.

Being intentional is a good tool for achieving your worthy and spiritual goals. Think of one such goal for your life, figure out the most efficient way to achieve that goal, and begin to order your life—your time—in such a way as to achieve that goal.

More on this Friday!

Blessings on your week!