GOOD INTENTIONS

Many people hear the gospel, believe it to be true, and express a strong desire to follow Christ. They may have every intention of surrendering to His Lordship ... but soon find the cost is too high. The promise of salvation isn't enough for them to relinquish control of their lives.

Others decide to put Jesus' invitation on the 'back burner' thinking that they'll respond to it at a later time ... but sadly, that day never comes because the conviction they once felt has waned. 'Good intentions' destroy all sense of urgency. 

Jesus encountered men who said they would follow Him, but their priorities were skewed ... “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”  Luke 9:59,61

And on one occasion, an eager young man approached the Lord to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life. He appeared willing to do whatever was commanded ... but when Jesus said, “Sell all your possessions and give to the poor and then come follow me,” the man left ... saddened by the requirement. (Mark 10:17–27) He may have had 'good intentions', but failed to love Christ more than his possessions.

Good intentions can lull you into thinking you're on the right track ... but they lack the power to get you where you want to go ... 

'The road to hell is paved with good intentions' Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153).