Good Intensions

   “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”  That’s an old saying that really hits the proverbial nail right on the head!  How many people go through life day after day, constantly intending to do something they’ve been neglecting to do, or to stop doing something they know they should not be doing?  Such intentions cover a wide range of behavior.

   How many smokers, out of personal concern for their health, continually intend to quit smoking but never quite make the commitment to do it?  How many problem drinkers have intended for years to quit drinking, because they know their behavior is destructive to themselves and others who are close to them, but the years continue to tick by while they continue to drink?  How many drug users find themselves in the same boat?  They know their lifestyle is self-destructive, and they intend to get off drugs.  But they never seem to do it.  Now it’s easy to point fingers at such addictive behaviors as these, but you’d better watch out.  When you point a finger at somebody else, three other fingers are pointing right back at you.
   How many people are concerned about their health because they realize they’re seriously overweight?  Every month, it seems, holds another intention to go on a diet, an exercise program or both.  They’re going to lose weight, firm up, look trim and feel good.  They’re going to start tomorrow, as soon as they finish that wonderful chocolate cake they just bought.  We know what happens, don’t we?
   How many unfaithful Christians intend to start back to church services, to renew their spiritual dedication and get their spiritual lives right with God?  But it seems that there are things they think need to take care of first.  However, while they continually intend to take care of those things, they never quite seem to get the job done.
   And, what about those struggling Christians who keep intending to start attending more regularly and maybe start giving more responsibly?  But, then, they’ve promised to host a neighborhood Barbeque next Sunday, and there’s a family outing coming up, and then they’ve already made plans to go to..., and the company fishing trip is next month, and they’ve already paid for the hunting lease for this year...
   How many good Christians intend to talk to a family member, a friend or a co-worker about salvation?  They see them often, but they never quite find the opportunity or the courage to speak up.  Or, maybe they just can’t think of the right thing to say.  How many keep intending to get more involved in the work and activities of the church?  But the time never seems to be quite right.  How many members intend to have some of the newer families over to encourage them and get to know them better.  But the house always seems to need cleaning, and there’s always something else to do, and we’re tired, and…
   How many people who know they’re not walking with the Lord fully intend to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins?  But they never seem to make up their mind that now is the time.  Good intentions, every one of them.  But so many of them never get past the intention stage.  How sad, for the saying is true, “the road to Hell is paved with good intentions...