I'm For Real This Time; A Study on Intention and being Diligent

Intentional Upscaling: A Guide to Living with Purpose

This guide explores the concept of "Intentional Upscaling," a process of improving the quality of your life with intention and purpose, inspired by God's intentionality in creation.

Understanding Intentional Upscaling

Intentional Upscaling is a continuous effort to enhance your life both spiritually and personally. It signifies moving beyond mere existence to live a life enriched with purpose and meaning. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God created the world and humanity with intention. Examining the creation narrative reveals God's attributes: power, intelligence, authority, and goodness. It also shows that God is intentional and acts with purpose and awareness, demonstrating His interconnected and dependent plan for creation.

God's Desire for You

God desires to "upscale" you, to improve your life beyond just survival. He envisions a life filled with purpose, joy, and growth for you. This transformation encompasses your spirit, soul, and body, leading to overall well-being. The Greek word for "life" in John 10:10 emphasizes a life beyond mere existence, highlighting that you are created for more. 3 John 1:2 further emphasizes this, stating that prosperity is linked to the prosperity of the soul.

Embracing Intentional Growth

Intentional growth requires active participation and engagement in activities that promote growth.

Study scripture: Engage with the word of God to glean wisdom and guidance. Key verses for reflection include Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 3:1-2, and Proverbs 4:20-22.
Seek wise counsel: Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can provide support and insight.
Invest in yourself: Prioritize your spiritual, mental, and physical health. Remember, true prosperity stems from a flourishing soul.

Overcoming Obstacles

The journey of Intentional Upscaling is not without its challenges. Several obstacles can hinder your progress:

Laziness: A negative mindset and lack of effort can impede growth. Proverbs 20:4 reminds us that our perspective on circumstances, not the circumstances themselves, is often the problem.
Convenience: Choosing comfort and ease over growth can rob you of the joy of an intentional life.
Holding onto the Past: Dwelling on past failures can prevent you from having faith in future possibilities. Philippians 3:13 encourages us to focus on what lies ahead, as our faith should be rooted in the future, not the past.

The Power of Intentionality

The Bible links intentionality to various aspects of life:

Wealth: Proverbs 10:4 suggests that diligence and intentionality lead to prosperity.
Leadership: Proverbs 12:24 emphasizes that intentionality is crucial for effective leadership.
Influence: Proverbs 22:29 highlights that intentionality extends your influence beyond just having it"with" someone or something to having it "over."

When you align your heart with God's plan and live intentionally, you unlock your potential and fulfill God's purpose for your life.

Christ: The Ultimate Example

Jesus is the perfect example of intentional living. He embodied skill, wisdom, grace, and truth, and his leadership was characterized by service and sacrifice. Jesus demonstrates that true leadership is rooted in humility and love. His life teaches us to approach our work with purpose and humility.

The Goal of Intentional Upscaling

Intentional Upscaling is about more than just personal growth; it's about glorifying God in everything you do. As you grow, you become a reflection of God's grace, impacting the world around you and drawing others closer to Him. Embrace the challenge of Intentional Upscaling, allowing Christ's redemptive work to fuel your growth and lead you to the abundant life God has planned for you.