A ‘motto’ is a sentence or phrase that is meant to guide one’s thoughts and actions. It is something that motivates. Something that reminds us. Something that helps us along the way.
“Do it on purpose” has recently been a favorite motto of mine to live by. Here’s why:
Paul said in Ephesians 5:16 that we are to make the best use of the time we have. We are to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). We are to love God with all of our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). We are to be humble and serve (John 13). We are to love our spouses, our parents, our kids (Ephesians 5-6). We are to worship God (Psalm 95). We are to edify and encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We need to be sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone around us (Matthew 28:19).
But you know what? I don’t always make time for these things in my day. I don’t always feel motivated or excited as I’d like and need to be. I just fall short in these areas sometimes. I normally see time getting away from me and I know I need to make time for the more important things of life. When I find myself not motivated or excited like I need to be I try to get motivated and excited again.
One thing I do to help with all of this is to use the motto of “Do It On Purpose.” What does that mean? It means that these struggles with time and heart are not going to fix themselves. It isn’t going to accidentally happen overnight. I have to DO something about it. It is going to take effort and determination to do the things I know I should be doing in order to produce the outcome that is required/desired.
I don’t always make the best use of my time. So I have to purposefully find ways to make time for more productive things. I don’t always go the extra mile to be active in good works. I am not always growing in grace and in knowledge as I ought because I am preoccupied with other matters of life. I sometimes don’t study and pray as I ought to because I’m busy with other things and just make excuses. I’m not always feeling up to visiting my brethren or excited about getting out into the community. I am not always focused and diligent in my worship to God. the list could go on.
So what’s the answer? Do it on purpose. In the days that I need to make time for the things that are more important I have to do it on purpose or it won’t happen. I have to study and pray on purpose in order to grow. I have to do good works on purpose. I have to encourage my brethren on purpose. It’s all about making ourselves do these most important things even though our minds are telling us that we don’t have time or we just don’t feel like it. The only way that there will be any growth or productivity is if we do these things on purpose. Making the effort. Making ourselves. Being mindful, intentional, purposeful. If we find ourselves with too little time or not enough excitement for God or for others, then we need to make ourselves get active on purpose.
What are you going to do today on purpose? What is it that may be keeping you from doing any of these things? Remember: Do It On Purpose. As you do, watch the growth that will take place in you and the excitement and emotion that builds. Let’s get busy. Let’s do it on purpose today.
A Cord of Blue 