Intention (noun): an aim or plan; something that you want and plan to do; an idea that you plan to carry out; an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions
Several weeks ago, I took note of this Bible verse in my journal:
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
And the response I recorded: “Take captive every thought”…what an empowering statement! Another demonstration by Paul of my ability and responsibility to control my thoughts, which in turn drive my behavior. Intention first, action second.
The exploration of the word INTENTION had begun! My first thought about intention was that it’s a bit of a buzz word these days – there’s a lot of talk about “intentional living”, and perhaps as a result, we all have a different understanding of its meaning. I posted a request on my Facebook page (see post here- One Word Faith Intention) for input and reaction to the word Intention. Some of the responses are sprinkled throughout this post – Thank you to those who participated!
And on that note, the first reference I’ll make is to my blogger friend, Wendy, (find her inspirational blog here One Exceptional Life) who posted a GIF of Mary Poppins saying “I have no intention of making a spectacle of myself. Thank you.” First, I love Mary Poppins! Second, Mary is making an announcement on my behalf regarding this post. I don’t intend to make a spectacle of myself, but I also recognize that this word is a challenge to write about!
Back the scripture verse from 2 Corinthians – take captive my thoughts…
Whatever occupies my mind the most becomes my idol. So, it takes INTENTION to occupy my mind with thoughts of God, of His goodness, of His commands, of His promises, of His faithfulness, of His Word, of His Son, of His creation, and His Blessings.
There’s both an offense and defense involved when it comes to managing my thoughts. Defensively, I must guard my thoughts diligently. Or as 2 Corinthians puts it, I must “take captive” my thoughts and make them obedient Christ. And on the offensive side, I must choose where to focus my thoughts. Facebook responses alluded to this part of intention with comments like “Purposeful living” and “Spending time together.”
Scripture has some instruction on this as well:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Guarding and directing my thoughts seem to be the key. To have “good intentions”, I need to have godly thoughts, which generate the ideas and plans, my intentions. I need to be protective of my thoughts, to stand firm against the influences of the world that want to skew my intentions towards appeasing my flesh.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
“The yoke of slavery” in this verse is the sinful nature. We have the power – through the Holy Spirit, our Advocate (link) – to stand firm, to control our minds and choices, to stay the course of freedom. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in me! And in you!
Sing with me to Jeremy Camp’s song “Same Power”
Stand firm. Be of courage. Be strong. Guard my heart and take captive every thought. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in me! God has given me a spirit of strength and courage – take hold of it! Throw off the yoke of sin, of desire, and live in the freedom Christ gave me. Stand firm and free! The same power that resurrected my Savior lives in me!
What joy, what inexpressible joy this is!
This power is an unlimited resource…
The same power that rose Jesus from death lives in me…and you. Can you feel it? Do you believe it?
Intention is just the first step – the thought behind the action. It is incomplete without the action, execution, discipline, diligence, and commitment to make the intention materialize. Some of the Facebook responses had quotes that support this idea:
- People with good intentions make promises. People with good character keep them.
- A goal is about what you want to do; an intention is about who you want to be.
I can intend to call a friend I haven’t talked to in awhile, but without discipline, the intention will not materialize into its result. I can intend to read my Bible every day, but without action, the Bible will sit unopened.
The world is full of people with “good intentions” but seems to lack in people with good discipline or execution. What makes the difference? What is the defining characteristic between those who intend but don’t act on their intentions?
The deception often lies in the planning, because it feels very similar to action. Making plans, analyzing data, studying, organizing, preparing, and building-up the intention is important and a critical part of setting oneself up for achieving the aim. But if the effort is only put forth into the intention (the thinking and planning stage), and no effort is put into the execution (the action stage), the intended outcome will never manifest.
Just as important as the intention is the commitment to follow through until the goal is achieved.
One of the Facebook responders provided this quote: Intention is the seed that creates the future. I agree with that. But again, it’s only half the story. The seed is planted… but will it grow without further action?
Intention plants the seed, discipline makes it grow.
Intention is like creating a delicious recipe, carefully drafted and detailed to produce a culinary masterpiece. But if the recipe is written out but never followed out, no one will ever taste the delicacy. One must act on the recipe – execute, implement – in order for the baked delight to become reality.
I can make all sorts of lists and plans and ideas of what it takes to be a Christ follower (link to follow) – e.g., be kind, forgive, use my gifts, pray, serve – but if I never implement or act on those instructions, I am no more a Follower than a non-believer.
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17
That’s where the concept of “live out your faith” arises. I can intend to be a faithful Christian, but in order to be one, action is required. I’d prefer not to be known as a person “with good intentions”, but rather, as a person with a fruitful life.
Having a good plan, good intentions, isn’t by itself enough to produce the fruit of the spirit in my life. I need to guard my thoughts to form godly intentions. Then follow through.
Commit.
Stand firm.
And most importantly, use the power that lives in me, the same one that rose Jesus from the grave.