Our Good Intentions
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11.
Good intentions are those thoughts and actions that are meant well towards others. Many times, they can be misunderstood and taken out of context. “Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2. However, it is God who searches our hearts, and He knows above all else the intent of our thoughts and actions.
It is imperative that we pray and seek God for His wisdom and guidance in all that we think, say, and do. Ultimately, our actions and speech must be pleasing to God; David in Psalm 19:14 prayed for God to grant Him grace and strength so that his actions and thoughts were acceptable in His sight. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Every born-again believer has been saved from the penalty of sin, which is death and eternal damnation; however, while we live in this physical body, the presence of sin remains with us; and we are subject to sin if led down the wrong path by the enemy of our souls… however, we can praise God that we are endowed the precious gift and power of the Holy Spirit! He leads and guides us in the choices that we should make; “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” John 14:16.
The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s word that is a light unto our pathway…constantly guiding us in the right direction. I am constantly reminded of my father’s admonishment to stay faithful and committed to the learning and application of God’s Word- he would tell me that the word of God is our prescription for life! John 15:13 state: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
Let us prayerfully commit all our thoughts and intentions unto to the Lord first and others will eventually see the goodness of the Lord that lies within our hearts “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11.
Finally, my friends, this walk of faith is not one of ease, but it is a continuous process…and it is certainly a truism on which every child of God can stand, God is not through with me yet! “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2.
God blessings and peace today and always…stay in the word!