Intentional

“For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.” Ezra 7:10

Ezra was one of many individuals that we find in Scripture who truly sought to be intentional in their service to the Lord. Ezra made a conscious effort to set his heart to seek the law, to do it, and to teach it. What a fantastic example! 

One of the best ways that we can be intentional in training our children is to follow the example of Ezra. Fathers, as the spiritual leaders of your households, are you in your own time seeking the law of the Lord (the perfect law of liberty (Jam. 1:25)? Is your personal study intentional? Do you have a plan?

Parents, are you doing the perfect law of Christ? When you do something with intention you know exactly why you have done it. When you seek the Law of Christ, it will be seen in the actions you carry out in your life. When we do the will of God, others will take notice. The examples of doing the will of God puts lasting images in the minds of those watching.”Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself (Jam. 2:17).”

Ezra’s intentionality was also dependent on teaching others how to seek the law of Jehovah and to do it. We must first teach in our homes and along the way in life (cf. Deut. 6:4-9). The home Bible study is such a valuable time to spend together with your family in God’s Word. It is also a great way to spend time as a family. It does not have to be long, just start doing it, and make it a regular thing. If you do not know where to start, there are tons of resources that are available from sound brethren. You can incorporate other activities after the study. Also, do not miss the opportunity to be in class every Lord’s day and Wednesday night. Your family learns what’s important to you by what you select to do with your time. Brethren, let us be intentional in our desire to know the Word, do the Word, and teach it. 

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers