Intention Counts

Proverbs 12:2

2A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

When someone called Jesus good He said who is good but the Father. Many people will call themselves good based on their works. When the prophet Samuel was sent on a journey by the Lord to find a new king to replace King Saul, everyone was concerned with outer appearance. But the word says God doesn't look at outward appearance but at the heart. The "outer appearance" referred to in scripture isn't just for the physical appearance of a person. It also refers to their works. How so? In the book of Proverbs, motive is referred to several times. Jesus even spoke about those who will claim to have done works in His name but He will say He doesn't know them. Why? It boils down to intention. What is intention? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines intention as 1) a determination to act in a certain way, 2) purpose, aim, end. So it's not just about doing something good but it's about "why" it's being done. 

Everyday we are seeing people who "intend" to harm others. In some cases, it is very premeditated or planned out. These issues go beyond the waters of the U.S. to Europe, Asia, Africa, etc as well. Jesus said to love thy neighbor as thyself.  The apostle Paul said the Commandments delivered by the Law of Moses can be summed up in the same statement. Basically, if one loves others then they are less likely to want to harm someone. What about those who "only look out for number one."  Their motive is to put themselves above others. So if given the choice to gain at the cost or misfortune of someone else, they will see the other person as inconsequential. Therefore, the love thy neighbor as thyself is null and void. But Jesus said to do unto others as you want done to you. Does anyone take this statement to heart? In Galatians Paul says we reap what we sow and God is not to be mocked. So anything done whether good or bad, ill intention or not, it too shall be done unto us. The one who does good not just to be seen as "good" but who in their heart seeks to love, then the Lord shall see because He is the one who sees all, especially what man cannot see. And it is He who gives favor. Love never fails the words says and God is love. The intention of God's love counts more.