On Intentionality

Part 7, The Heart of the Christian Moral Life

Over the last few posts we’ve been discussing concerns about how calls for intentionality might contribute to the fragilization of faith in the modern age. But in this post I want to make a pivot and argue that while we may worry about a faith rooted in choice and decision, intentionality sits at the heart of the Christian moral life.

The point is simply made. Whenever the New Testament issues a command (“be holy,” “love one another,” “rejoice always,” etc.), it presupposes volitional engagement, a deliberate, purposive stance of the self. Obedience to imperatives requires conscious agency. We must notice, evaluate, and intend. The New Testament describes discipleship as a continual reorientation of desire and attention. “Set your mind,” “Present your bodies,” and “Fix your eyes.” These are acts of intention.

To be sure, practices create habits which create virtues. And virtues, as they they become dispositions, involve diminishing conscious effort. I’ve described virtue as holy automaticity.

That said, there is a obvious synergy between intentional obedience and virtuous spontaneity. Intentionality directs the will and virtue stabilizes the will. Virtue doesn’t happen by accident.

Also, there is synergy between divine action and human volition. Acts of intention are a participation in the divine life. The call is for responsive cooperation with the Spirit. The will must attend, consent, and yield while the Spirit empowers, renews, and directs.

And if all this seems a bit deep and abstract, the call for intentionality is crystal clear on the pages of Scripture:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” (Ephesians 4:31–32)

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15)

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14)

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)