Beyond Good Intention

The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 John 3:8-10

The moment I decided to follow Jesus, I had good intentions. In fact, good intentions have been a constant companion in my spiritual life. When I’ve noticed an area to improve in my life, I’m well-intended to act. Those times when sin prompts a needed life change, I knew what to do. The real proof of my place in God’s family has not come through having a few good intentions. In the same way, just because I have a gym membership does not mean I am in good shape. Moving beyond good intentions means acting on God’s Word in faith.

James, the brother of Jesus, says it this way, ” If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17). The biggest battle men face is not knowing what they ought to do, it is doing it. We are all sinners saved by the grace of God. There is no action that “saves” us, as we cannot save ourselves. But we are expected to act in the position God graciously gave to us. He brought us into His family, and now we act like His men. Strive to move beyond good intention. Act on your convictions.

DO THIS TODAY: Think about one good intention you have and act on it.