Each issue we solicit perspectives on intentional living from those who themselves live intentionally. This month, we asked the Divisional Director of Search Ministries of Minnesota and former Minnesota Viking Linebacker Jeff Siemon about intentional living.BMC: Jeff, what does intentional living mean to you?
JS: Rick Warren's book Purpose Driven Life gets at the heart of it - we are here for an overriding purpose. If there is a God, then it follows that we are not here to achieve our own goals and merely serve ourselves. None of that will bring satisfaction. It will turn to dust and rot and we'll be unhappy at the end our lives.
JS: First of all, we need to keep an eye on the goal and purpose of our lives. How do I best glorify Him through my life? There's nothing more satisfying than seeing others come to know Christ. I get a little piece of heaven by being a part of that plan. It will always be thrilling and rewarding and not without testing, trial and some fear but being part of God's plan to bring others to know Christ is the ultimate purpose.
BMC: Where do you suggest we start?
JS: There are many people we are called to influence. We need to start with our family, as a man, father, husband and leader in the home. We must make sure we have the home bases covered before venturing out to others. We shouldn't sell our family short on the alter of ministering to others.
JS: My wake-up call came in 1981 when I was involved in a plane crash in Crystal, MN which killed the pilot and put the co-pilot in critical condition. I have a picture of the wreckage on my desk with the words, "Saved to Serve" inscribed on it as a daily reminder of my purpose.
JS: I make every effort to see Christ in fresh ways and I try to surround myself all the time with new believers. There's nothing like seeing success. They see God in a fresh and vibrant way because their experience is so recent. One of the problems of the older believers is that they often don't see the successes of God in the same way.
BMC: What concerns you most about the spiritual lives of men today?
JS: I'm concerned by the growing attraction of eroticism and the effect it has on men. The enemy uses it to discourage and suggest to them that they are unworthy; that they are hypocritical; and that they should just mind their own business and not the things of God.
Leave a comment