When Good Intentions Aren’t Good Enough
How many of you know that there is a gulf of difference between “good intentions” and “godly intentions”?
“Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house… but when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.” – 2 Samuel 6:1-7 (NLT)
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” – Matthew 25: 1-8,10 (NIV)
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” – Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV)
In all these examples a commonality is present, good intentions won’t save you from God’s condemnation. You see, it was good for Uzziah to try and prevent the holy ark of God from falling to the ground. Yet, it cost him his physical life because he wasn’t sanctioned by God to touch it.
Secondly, we see the virgins, five wise and five foolish. All the virgins started off on the same path, with a zeal in their heart to be ready for the coming of the bridegroom. However, the bridegroom was delayed in coming and they all became weary. Then suddenly He comes, and the virgins hastily grab their lanterns to run out to meet Him. Yet, the five foolish realize their lamps are out and they have no oil. Though they started off with good intentions, now they’re separated from Him and locked out forever.
Thirdly, you may even have good intentions about honoring Jesus by associating Him with great men such as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and other prophets. In fact, you may even put Him on the level of Buddha, Muhammad, Krishna, or the Pope. Yet, this too no matter how noble and innocent you believe it to be will ultimately lead to your condemnation.
Lastly, we’re shown Jesus scolding Peter for trying to promote a good intention over a godly plan. Conclusively, no matter how sincere the gesture may be, if it fails to propagate the will and plan of our Holy God, it shall result in your reprimand and even your eternal damnation!
