But I Have the Best Intentions!

I’ve heard someone say that “the road to hell is paved in good intentions,” and I somewhat believe it. I think that, if I read the Scriptures correctly, if we end up in hell under God’s wrath for all eternity, it’s because we were focused on ourselves, and refused to submit to the will of God through Christ Jesus. Yet “I’ll get to it” and “some day,” and “I plan on getting my life right” have destroyed and derailed many a person in their walk toward and with Jesus. Many of us are also cowardly or too self-focused to do what we intend. Did you note that I said “us?” I do not believe I am destined for hell, but there are parts of my life where self-interest and cowardice do take over.  Case in point: I went to bed a bit early hoping to get up earlier so I can spend some time in prayer. I hit the snooze alarm several times, and while I prayed, I fell back asleep each time. I had the best intentions, but I did not spend the time alone with God that I wanted to.

I sometimes feel like the guy with the one talent in Jesus’ parable, I’m afraid so I bury it. The Master, however, does not honor fear! So, what is my hope? What can I do? I need to stop declaring my intent, and I need to submit to the will of God! There is never enough motivation, there is hardly ever a “nudge” in the right direction, rather, there are opportunities to take and ones we let go. God puts people and things and opportunities to love and serve Him and others in our way, and if we choose to look away, that is our own fault. We will never get any moment we lose back; therefore, we must take the initiative and fight for each one! Intent only goes so far. Service goes further. Obedience is everything. And we do not obey for any reason but love and gratitude. We have nothing, bring nothing to the table, and yet God gives us, through Christ Jesus, everything. Jesus wasted no time. Jesus wasted no opportunities. Jesus never said “Well, I had good intentions.” Jesus acted, even if all he received was ingratitude, a beating and a wooden cross. Lord, help me, and help us all to live intentionally every day by Your Word and Spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ!

Philippians 2:1-18

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.