Living An Intentional Life

Part 5: Invite

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Summary

Living an Intentional Life means joining God in His agenda. We first identify His call on our life. Then, we invest in what matters - what is eternal. After this, we begin to intercede - pray for others and ask God to do miracles in our lives as well as in the lives of others. Next, we inform those around us about God’s Good News and finally, we invite others to Jesus and to be a part of His Church. Let’s not become distracted in our noisy world today, but let’s be bold and live intentional lives for the glory of our great God!

Content
Send Invitations for Christ

When we invite someone to an event or place, it’s because we want them to be there. We send out invitations telling people what the occasion is, and everything they need to know: who, what, when, and where. We spend much time making sure the details are right and the invitation looks appealing to our would-be guests! After all, we want to convince them that accepting our invitation will be worth their while. 

We also invite people to join us in our walk with Christ! Just like a wedding invitation, it’s ultimately our recipient’s choice whether or not they will join us. But when we invite people to come to Jesus, we don’t need to worry about getting a head count: there’s plenty of grace and love to go around! 

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

—John 14:2

Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven. He wants us to be in His presence for eternity. If you’ve been saved, that means He’s prepared a place for you. But our God desires that all His people would repent and put their trust in Jesus, and this is why we’re called to invite others to step into His grace (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 

This is Truly Must-See

Most of us know what it’s like to experience FOMO: the fear of missing out. Usually it’s for a showing of a new movie, or front row seats to the big game, or a party of some kind. What if people felt that same feeling for spiritual things? Do you think your walk with Christ communicates the “can’t miss” factor like these less-important things do?

On the other hand, some who receive wedding invitations from old friends or distant relatives might wonder if they really have a place in the ceremony. They might feel that it’s a significant financial investment, and that it will take up lots of time. While weddings are among the most important events in the lives of people, invitations are often declined because the recipients just don’t see where they fit or what’s in it for them. 

When we invite people to follow Jesus, they often have similar questions that keep them from accepting. Am I good enough? Does God really care if I’m there? Is this really for someone like me? Won’t I have to make sacrifices? Why should I take this leap? It is our responsibility as Christians to patiently and gracefully help unbelievers find true answers to those questions. 

God’s Word provides us with the truth we need, and His Spirit guides, encourages, and inspires, and emboldens us. 

Put Yourself in Unbelievers’ Shoes

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!” 

— Romans 10:14-15

We cannot expect unbelievers to act like believers. In fact, Christians aren’t always all that Christlike, and we all have moments when we act as though we don’t know the Word that our God has revealed to us. How much more difficult must it be for unbelievers to accept the Gospel for the first time than it is for us to be reminded of its truth? Therefore, we need to be loving and patient, just as the Lord has been loving and patient with us. If we go and spread the Good News in this way, God will find it beautiful. 

 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

— 2 Peter 3:9

We know unbelievers need Jesus; we know they need to be there for the coming marriage of the Lord to His church (Revelation 19:7). So, we need to make sure our invitations are appealing, accurate, and most importantly, delivered. We don’t need to be the perfect messengers; only God could be. Not everyone will RSVP yes, but our God’s in control. But what we cannot do, if we wish to live an intentional life, is fail to even put the invitation in the mail.

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