Default or Intention?

Last night I met with the Path group that I am coaching from my last workshop. I was so encouraged to see these women taking great strides as they step out toward their goals and purpose. Some clearly see their vision right in front of them and are unashamedly making strides toward it, others are pushing forward into discovery of who they truly are, what they think, what they like and for the first time after many years, determining what causes their heart to leap with joy. They are on the road to their true purpose and mission in life.

In our time together we discussed the struggle that many have in abdicating choices in life to others, which may appear righteous, however, if motivated by fear this kind of default is dishonest. We are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, but if in fact we are surrendering our will because we are afraid to stand up and claim our life, this kind of poverty thinking is not faith based or righteous. Scripture says, "The righteous man shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

Jesus' faith example of denying Himself was not an act of cowardice, but a conscious act of great faith. As He took up His cross He was claiming something for mankind that was much larger than Himself. If we are not courageous enough to truly live the life we've been given, but hide out in fearful surrender, what glory do we bring God or betterment to mankind? Matthew 5:37 says it this way. "Let your "yes' be "yes' and your "no',"no.'

In the Message Translation Matthew 5:33-37 says, "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk... You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say "yes' and "no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong."

Many of us grew up in environments that encouraged a martyr syndrome, which may have had all of the appearances of righteousness, but in fact made us "less true". Are we not challenged to boldly stand and make our choices and actions count, not merely living by default as we give our life away carelessly for the wrong reasons? Laying down your life and denying yourself is not the same thing as having never picked up the life you've been given. Isn't it time we lived with intention?