Good Intentions

Have you ever met them? People who promise to meet you somewhere but at the last moment cancel plans without any good reason? And not just once but over and over....

Most people you know today have good intentions. They mean well and say they will do something meaningful or productive. But for whatever reason when the deadline arrives, you are left waiting.

Good intentions sound nice. But the only catch is that there is no commitment behind it. When the rubber hits the road, there is nothing to show for it. Like eating a hollow chocolate egg, it looks good on the outside but inside it is empty! When it is game time, the proof is always in the pudding.

Some people’s words mean nothing because they have a track record of false promises. The reality is that all of us face choices and decisions everyday that we promise to agree to.

An important habit to develop in life is commitment in our actions. Commitment can be a promise, pledge, vow, assurance, dedication or faithfulness. It is the tip of the ice burg of a person’s character. Ideally, in life our yes should be yes or our no be no (Matt 5:37).

Luke 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it - lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'

There is a sad but popular saying that is true for all generations; that the road to hell is paved with good intentions:

-          I intend to go to church someday

-          I intend to get my life right with God

-          I intend to get help with my addiction and hidden sin

-          I intend to move on from the past

-          I intend to have accountability and let others speak into my life

-          I intend to let go of bitterness and unforgiveness

-          I intend to change and live a righteous lifestyle…

In contrast, a big word that symbolises a person’s maturity is decisiveness. A person who is decisive can be completely trusted. They are resolute, unwavering and purposeful in all they do. They are true to their word and loyal to all those around them. And their words withstand the test of time.  

This is in fact the character of God. His Word has withstood the test of time and can be trusted for every area of your life. His Word is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. He is faithful to finish what He has started within you. And He has great plans in store for you, based on the desires of your heart. All that is required on our part is to trust Him and in His perfect timing.

Honouring people begins with our intentions and keeping true to our words. Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).