Good Intentions Are Not That Good

Posted byDr StevenPosted inCounseling for the SoulTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good Intentions Are Not That Good

I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.  Jeremiah 17:10

“In one Peanuts comic strip Sally was struggling with her memory verse for Sunday. She was absorbed in her thoughts trying to figure it out when she remembered, “Maybe it was something from the book of Reevaluation.””   (min127).

We must allow the Bible to impact our hearts and lives. Each time you read the Word or hear a Bible message, do a reevaluation of your heart and mind. Let the Bible cut right to the matters of the heart and decide to not merely have good intentions in the Christian life, but to actually takes steps and strides with Jesus.

Some people say: “God knows my heart” in an effort to justify or rationalize a lack of faithfulness or to explain a decision that they have made. God knows your heart, but that is not an “Excuse” for what you DO or Do Not DO.  He does not just examine intentions but actions.  The Lord “gives” according to our “ways” and doings.”

Good intentions are not the same thing as good actions. Good intentions left by themselves are not that good. They need to be accompanied by good actions.   Because God knows your heart, He knows what motivates you and what discourages you.  He knows why you do what you do and “what makes you tick.”

Like Jeremiah 17:9 says – the heart… is “desperately wicked: who can know it.”  Don’t just follow your heart – follow the heart of God.  Do not merely obey your will, but obey the will of God the Father.

Go beyond having “good intentions…”

 

 

 

Published by Dr Steven

Steven Harness is a Christian husband and father of three who has been married to Natalie for nearly 25 years. A veteran pastor and counselor he’s been in gospel ministry for 25 years. He blessed to serve as the lead pastor of the Wilton Baptist Church in Wilton, NY. He has a long-term interest in archeology, history, creation science, ancient languages, and the Bible. He enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and targeting. He is also a fan of youth sports such as Jr. NBA and Little League baseball, both of which he has enjoyed coaching. Concerning credentials, Steven holds a Bachelor of Bible (BB) at Pensacola Christian College, a Master of Divinity (MDiv.) in Education from Mid-America Theological Seminary, a Master of Ministry (MMin.) in Pastoral Studies, a Doctor of Philosophy of Religion (PhD.) in Counseling from Bethany Divinity Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry (DMin.) in theology and apologetics from Liberty University. He is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC), a SYMBIS facilitator, and president of the New York Association of Christian Schools. He is the lead counselor of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the lead speaker for Truth Defended, and apologetics ministry. www.truthdefended.org Ultimately, Steven hopes to serve the Lord with gladness, humble plodding along and making a difference for the Kingdom. He is available for special conferences and training sessions. Steve is also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCPPC) and a SYMBIS facilitator. He is the president of Mountain View Christian Counseling and the New York Association of Christian Schools. He recently started "Truth Defended" a ministry equipping Christians to defend their faith.

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