A Call to Intentional Living

In a world that prizes speed, intensity, and being right, God invites us to a different rhythm. He calls us to go quieter, slower, and with less pressure. Whether in family life, at work, or during tense conversations, slowing down often produces better results than turning up the heat. This isn’t passivity; it’s intentional living. By approaching each moment with calm and care, we make space for God’s Spirit to work through our words and actions and open the door for real transformation.

The Wisdom of Gentle Pressure
Vic and I ran a guest ranch here in Wyoming for a few years. I noticed that some guests showed up wanting a fast, wild ride, yelling and pushing their horses forward, and before long the horses were tense, the ride felt chaotic, and excitement gave way to stress. Others followed Vic’s lead: slow, steady, and patient, most of the time. The horses relaxed, the riders calmed, and by the end, everyone enjoyed the journey. Human relationships work the same way: when we lower our voices, slow our responses, and act with patience, those around us often mirror that gentleness.

I saw this with my youngest (and red-headed daughter), Lydia. As a toddler, she could become stubborn and loud about her opinions. One day, I discovered that whispering calmed her down. She leaned in, listened, and responded more peacefully. What started as a playful game became a lasting lesson: gentleness often produces cooperation and understanding, even in the smallest interactions.
The Spring Within
James 3:18 challenges us to look beneath our words and actions to their source. Just as a spring pours water from deep within the earth, our words and behavior flow from the condition of our hearts. We can adjust what we say or do on the outside, but without tending the heart, the change is temporary. True peace begins within, and from that wellspring, it shapes the harvest of righteousness in our lives.


Rightness Versus Righteousness
It’s tempting to focus on being right, winning an argument or proving a point. Scripture reminds us that righteousness is about love and alignment with God’s priorities, not merely outward correctness. John Wesley warned against confusing technical rightness with inward holiness. He believed that faith was never just about correct beliefs or behaviors, but about a heart transformed by grace. True righteousness begins within and expresses itself through love for God and love for neighbor.
Micah 6:8 says, “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” Matthew 22:37–40 emphasizes loving God fully and loving our neighbors as ourselves. God values the posture of our hearts far more than perfection in preferences or arguments. Acting from a heart transformed by God’s love sows peace rather than division. Discernment is key; we must know when to stand firm on principle and when to let go of minor preferences.

Sowing Peace in Daily Life
Sowing peace is a daily, intentional choice. It means going quieter, slower, and with less pressure. It means seeking unity rather than division. Ask yourself: Am I carrying a can of water or a can of gasoline? It’s the difference between spreading calm or sparking conflict.

I’ve experienced this with a close family member. For years, our interactions were tense, leaving both of us frustrated and hurt. Recently, I’ve tried approaching our conversations with calm, intentional peace, choosing my words carefully, listening first, and letting go of minor disagreements. Small, deliberate steps have opened doors to understanding that didn’t exist before. The relationship is far from perfect, but these seeds of peace allow God’s grace to move in both our hearts.

This principle applies everywhere: families, workplaces, classrooms, and communities. Each choice to sow peace plants seeds for a harvest of righteousness. It’s much like consistent exercise. One workout may not seem to matter, but over time those small efforts build strength and produce lasting change.


Closing Reflection
Small, intentional steps– whispering instead of yelling, listening instead of reacting, prioritizing love over being right– all compound over time. By God’s grace, they transform our hearts, our interactions, and the world around us.

A Prayer for Today
God, help me today to sow peace in my words and actions. Calm my heart, guide my choices, and let love lead me more than being right. Amen.