Good intentions. We all have them. Right?
We will tell the boss, “I intended to get the project done yesterday.”
We will tell our children, “I intended to come to your game.”
We will tell the police officer, “I never intended to go that fast!”
We all have good intentions…but do our good intentions always translate to right actions? The answer is no. So, what happens? Where does it all go wrong? What keeps our good intentions from becoming good actions – and thus we miss the project deadline, we miss our child’s baseball game, and we get a ticket for speeding? How do good intentions get derailed? How do good intentions get replaced with wrong intentions?
The answer is -- good intentions are not enough.
We must align our intentions with scripture…that is at the foundation. Then we must build on that foundation with right thinking that fuels right actions. After that, we must trust the sovereignty of God. Sometimes the best intentions, thinking, and actions will not enable you to overcome a flat tire and traffic jam on the way to your child’s game or a 10 hour power outage that makes your laptop & internet useable for work.
However, we really need to start with this: what are my intentions when it comes to my relationship with God and others?
Boaz wants Ruth and Naomi to be certain of his intentions. His intentions were very favorable towards Ruth. He is even honored that she asked him. His intentions also line up directly with the Law of Moses. In other words, his intentions line up with the Lord! We can have good intentions, however, if they are contrary to God’s Word, then we are moving in rebellion to God’s Word – and that is not a good place to be! Proverbs 3:7; 14:12.
Benjamin Spock led the way among child rearing professionals in instructing parents not to discipline their children. He said that doing so would damage a child’s ego. Later in his life he realized that he had made a mistake and said:
“We have reared a generation of brats. Parents aren’t firm enough with their children for fear of losing their love or incurring their resentment. This is a cruel deprivation that we professionals have imposed on mothers and fathers. Of course, we did it with the best of intentions. We didn’t realize until it was too late how our know-it-all attitude was undermining the self-assurance of parents.” (Source: Baptist Press, November, 6, 2007)
Dr. Spock states his intentions were good, but they fell short! Isn’t it so encouraging to know that God’s intentions and actions are forever connected without contradiction – and they are always viewed through His goodness?!
So, where do your true intentions lie? Here’s a good starting point: are my intentions in line with scripture? As with Dr. Spock, we can propagate seemingly “good meaning things” (like a job, family time, necessary possessions) but they lead us away from God’s path for our lives. Then it becomes easy for us to critically judge the actions of others, but insist others judge our intentions with broad understanding.
Hidden truth: We will often judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.
(source: Unknown)
Think about…
Peter’s intentions were to follow Jesus – he specifically stated as much, “I will never deny you!” However, Peter’s actions actually heard him denying Jesus. Do we think of Peter’s intentions or his actions when we size up Peter’s denial of Christ? We think of his actions, don’t we?
Achan’s intentions were to follow God and serve in Israel’s army against the enemy. However, Achan’s actions fully disobeyed God’s specific instructions. Do we consider Achan’s actions or intentions when we study Joshua 6-7? Once again, the average believer thinks of his actions.
But what about us? We have the very sincere intention of loving God and serving Him. We have the motto of “godly disciple of Jesus Christ” as our mantra. Our church’s theme is “God Focused. Others Minded.” We intend to study the Bible, communicate much with Jesus through prayer, and develop a relationship with Jesus. However, when we are caught lying, stealing, cheating, gossiping, or throwing a temper tantrum – do we first point to our sinful actions or do we often think (or say out loud) – that was not my intention! I did not purposefully set out to do these sinful things!! You see, we want our actions to be examined in the light of our intentions.
So, disciple of Jesus, your intentions will only be seen as far as your actions. Remember these three things:
Consider showing mercy
…as God has shown you mercy. Show mercy to those whose actions were not as they intended. (Lk. 6:36) Thankfully, Boaz’s intentions are seen in his actions! Praise God! However, when someone’s actions are not indications of righteous intentions, what is your response?
Your intentions will lead you to specific & swift actions.
Boaz intends to marry Ruth. He is taking steps to make those intentions a reality. Whether your intentions are good or evil, your intentions will eventually lead you to specific actions.
Your intentions may not be seen in your actions.
Boaz intends to marry Ruth, but the law might prohibit him from doing so…no matter how genuine his intentions may be, he may not be able to make good on his intentions. Sometimes…it is completely out of our control — but remember, everything is ALWAYS under God’s control.
A man tells the following story: “At their school carnival, our kids won four free goldfish (lucky us!), so out I went Saturday morning to find an aquarium. The first few I priced ranged from $40 to $70. Then I spotted it--right in the aisle: a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter--for a mere five bucks. Sold! Of course, it was nasty dirty, but the savings made the two hours of clean-up a breeze.
Those four new fish looked great in their new home, at least for the first day. But by Sunday one had died. Too bad, but three remained. Monday morning revealed a second casualty, and by Monday night a third goldfish had gone belly up.
We called in an expert, a member of our church who has a 30-gallon tank. It didn't take him long to discover the problem: I had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. My uninformed efforts had destroyed the very lives I was trying to protect.” (Source: Richard L. Dunagin.)
I cannot control life and thus be certain my intentions will always be seen in my actions. However, I can live in a way that aims for that target. So, what do I do to see my actions line up with my intentions?
POSITION
Place your intentions solidly on the word of God – and cling to the cross. Remember that day you first came to the cross? Titus 2:11. Do not overlook it too quickly. Rehearse it right now. You were lost and broken – damaged goods. No doubt, you completely deserved punishment…but you cried out to Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus is just. How could He just “forgive you?” Would He simply look the other way and give you a “pass?” No. He could not. He did something far more amazing. Jesus took your punishment on Himself because He loves you. God. Loves. You! The Lord Jesus took your excruciating judgment and then offered forgiveness of your sin as His personal gift to you. It was all there for you…beautifully wrapped. All you had to do was accept His gift. Remember that day? Remember how desperate you were…how humble you were…how needy you felt? Take that humility and desperation – and now as a follower of Jesus – cling to the cross. Cling to who you are as a disciple of Jesus Christ…because of Jesus Christ!!
Perhaps you need to take time today to regain that position, that mindset of clinging to the cross of Jesus.
2. FAITH
Access His grace by faith. We need God’s grace! It is grace that enables me to do what God calls me to do. It is grace that will move one to mercy, love, kindness, patience, and much more. These traits will lead one to Jesus…and not push one away from Jesus. Grace is accessed by faith and prayer (Rm. 5:2; Heb. 4:16). Receiving God’s grace requires humility (Jas. 4:6). Grace is vital for any disciple’s daily life (II Cor. 12:9).
3. ACTION
Follow Him by His grace. This is where the intention becomes the action. It is His grace that teaches us (Titus 2:12) changes our view (Titus 2:13) and reminds us of the price for our freedom (Titus 2:14). This is Romans 6:13-14, 16 in real life. This is grace enabled surrender.
o Are you looking for strength to surrender to God’s call to ministry? You need His grace.
o Are you looking for ability to overcome a sinful habit? You need His grace.
o Are you looking for ability to fulfill your God-given roles? You need His grace.
Are your daily intentions solidly on the Word of God?
Are there any choices you are making that could derail your godly intentions?
Disciple of Jesus Christ, align your intentions with God’s Word…access God’s grace for actions that do not disappoint…and follow God by faith.