As Christians, our responsibility is to obey God — to do what He asks.

Intentions:

We deal so much with the intentionality of our heart when we should be concerned with the obedience we walk in. It’s the willing and obedient who eat of the good of the land (Isa 1:19). When we focus so much on the intention of our motives, it can paralyze us spiritually. Instead, we should work to obey God and His word, so just do what He asks. I believe this would simplify our walk. God will deal with our intention (the why-we-do-what-we-do), because who can know the heart?

Actions:

“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards according to what their actions deserve (Jer. 17:10). One translation states, “according to the results of his deeds.” It’s what we do that matters with God, at times, more than why we do it.

Feelings:

Maybe I don’t want to help, or feel like helping, someone; but if I help them anyway, who cares how I felt? We may not feel like obeying, or want to obey, God; but if we obey anyway, then God says that’s what He will deal with — our actions.

Motives:

Only God knows the heart fully — our motives. Those are all subject to change over time. But what He sees, what He rewards or deals with, are our actions. What we do is what counts. I had good intentions, but I didn’t do anything. That doesn’t help anyone. It has been said “Hell is paved with good intentions.”

Do what you know is right, and don’t get so caught up with the intention of your actions.

Just a thought,

PSS