Out of DarknessSample

This One Practice Will Help You Live Intentionally!

Years ago, I was encouraged to sit down and write the eulogy for my own funeral. At first, I thought it was morbid. However, as I dug into the exercise, it got me thinking about what I want to be said about me at the end of my life.

You see, one of the keys to an intentional life is living with the end in mind. In 1 Peter 4:7, the Apostle Peter says: "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers." This is powerful—and though Jesus’ return is definitely closer today than when Peter wrote this, I believe he’s saying something more here. Peter’s saying to you and me, “Your end is at hand.” He’s not trying to build a fear mindset, but an eternity-conscious mindset.

When we don’t live with the end in mind, we end up getting caught in the trap of short-sighted thinking. If we lack vision for the future, we end up sabotaging both our present and our future. We believe the lies that our choices and actions of today are of no consequence tomorrow.

Here’s the truth—our choices matter. Every day matters. Every decision is meaningful. By living with the end in mind, we’re empowered to make the most of every day through prayerful intentionality! The Psalmist says in Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Friend, take a moment to imagine your funeral. What do you want your loved ones to say about you? I encourage you to take some time this week to write out what you would want to hear—then work backward from there. What do you need to do? How do you need to live now to see that vision come to life?

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.