Can being an intentional person have a downside? Is it possible to be so intentional that one suffocates all spontaneity, joy, and “space” for surprise? Christian thinker Os Guinness writes: “For as modern people, we are all to be ‘on purpose’ or ‘purpose-driven.’ We are all to gauge our lives by their constant ‘intentionality.’ We are all to have ‘mission statements’ and ‘measurable outcomes’ to ‘maximize’ every half hour of our waking moments” (The Call). Efficiency is not always healthy from a mental and emotional viewpoint. Efficiency should not always be the goal. Efficient is not the same as excellence. How do you measure whether a day was successful?
I want to recommend an article about the Protestant notion of “vocation” that I have found really helpful and enjoyable. Do you want a stronger sense of God’s purpose for all of life? Then read Gene Edward Veith’s article: “The Doctrine of Vocation.”
If you have a philosophical bent to your nature and want to think through your Christian faith on a deeper, more philosophical level, then subscribe to “The Worldview Bulletin Newsletter.” Theologians and Christian philosophers contribute, the posts are relatively short (for philosophy), and you can read them without being trained for years in philosophy. This is a superb resource and you usually receive one email per week. The church needs more “I don’t just have faith” people. I highly recommend it.
The next Daily Post will be on Wednesday, June 1st.
BJ Condrey, PhD 