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?
Proverbs 16:2-3 - People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
We have good intentions in saying and we try to following through but there is time we are not able to get those things done. In Proverbs 16: 9 it says, we can make our plans, but the Lords determines our steps. We can have good intentions, but things don’t always go as planned…well at least as we planned, it could all be in God's plan though. We need to remember that and then make sure we go to God to help us make plans as allow Him to be our guide.
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, can be intentional and start with this question: what are my intentions when it comes to my relationship with God and others?
Are we making sure that we are following through with the goals we set in spending time with God?
We can also have good intentions, however they can also be contrary to God’s Word, then we are moving against God’s Word. That is the last thing we want. If we are going to commit to God then our intentionality lies in making that commitment.
I think when we are intentional to spend time in the word of God then our intentions through our day to day will become more aligned with God’s.
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
So, where do your true intentions lie? Here’s a good starting point: are my intentions in line with scripture?
I cannot control life and be certain my intentions will always be seen in my actions. However, I can live in a way that aims for that target.
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.
So let us think about all we can do and where our priorities are and where God falls in all that. Then lets be intentional the put God first and allow Him to lead our lives.