The Danger of Good Intentions
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Proverbs 16:2
Introduction
We live in a world where we have placed a higher premium on sincerity, than on truth. The attitude of the world is that, if our intentions are right, if we have a good motive, then our actions- no matter how awful are justified. But the ends never justifies the means. Right is always right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is always wrong, even if everyone is for it.
I. Good intentions may become a substitute for action
I intended to clean my room mom! I intended to stop for gas! I intended to pick up the birthday cake! I intended to call and tell you that I was running late! I intended to show up for work today!
In the 18th Century James Boswell is said, "Hell is paved with good intentions." Actions must be taken and followed through in order for the intention to become a reality. Boswell’s quote is a summary of human nature not to follow through on what is right. James tells us this is sin. (James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.)
I am sure in Hell, there will be many with good intentions that are surprised to end up there
"I thought that I had plenty of time to get things worked out in my life."
"I really had good intentions. "
"I intended to make things right before I died. "
Paul before Felix
Acts 24:25 -
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee
II. Good intentions forget to put on a deadline
I intended on making it to the wedding! I intended to pick you up from school!
A. 5 Foolish Virgins
Matthew 25:1-46
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
III. Good intentions never justify wrongdoing in the eyes of others
A. Saul to Samuel when offering the sacrfice
I Samuel 13:8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. 10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; 12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
IV. Conclusion
3 elements to making intentions reality:
1. Good Plans
2. Godly Motives
3. Great Commitment
