What’s Your Intention?

We have all heard the adage: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Some examples are: “I’m going to start my diet tomorrow.” “I need to get over to the nursing home and see Grandma.” “I need to spend more time with my family instead of working all the time.” “I’m going to start kissing my Bride goodbye every time I leave home because it may be the last time I see her.”

From a spiritual point of view, I believe one of satan’s most damaging lies (he is the father of lies, you know) is this: “You’ve got plenty of time. You can trust Jesus later after you’ve had time to live and enjoy life.” What he doesn’t tell you is that apart from Jesus, you have no life. Jesus is the giver and sustainer of life. He is not a cosmic killjoy. He came to give us life to love, live and enjoy. Why do we wait before trusting Him with our whole heart?

I believe most of us have the best of intentions, but we just never quite get around to doing what we intend to do for whatever reason. Papa has been gently nudging me to follow through on my intentions, not just in my walk with Him, but in every area of my life.

If I am going to get down in the floor and play with Jackson and Kai, my grandboys, I’m going to have to get in shape. I don’t want to end up like Jimmy Durante who said that if he knew he was going to live that long, he would have taken better care of himself.

Wanda and I always had good intentions to start exercising. Some time ago, we put feet on those intentions. We joined the YMCA. But joining the Y won’t get you in shape. You have to go to the Y. But going to the Y won’t get you in shape. You have to exercise when you get there. Some days you just don’t feel like going. That’s when you must push yourself to go. You have to make a plan and stick to it. You have to get out of your comfort zone in order to reach your goals. You must set goals. Goal-oriented people very seldom become depressed. Goals give us hope and a desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.

The Apostle Paul had goals and encouraged us to set them as well. “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward — to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision — you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it (Philippians 3:12-16 MSG).

What is Papa talking to you about? Do you need to get in shape? Spiritually? Physically? Mentally? Has God gifted you and you are not making the time or the effort to utilize your gifts for His glory and the blessing of others? How is your walk with Jesus? Have you left Him behind, or are you lagging way behind Him? What intentions do you have that are just waiting for you to put feet on?

What do you intend to do about it?

You think about that…

Blessings,

Kenny