Following Jesus

Have you noticed that some people think that if they have a good intention, then they have already reached their goal?

Full video at:https://youtu.be/XXiXDapSCtk

Hello, I'm Clarence, I'm the preacher. Sadly, these people will never know the joy of real progress and making a real contribution to their family and community. Let's see if we can't give them a helpful nudge, starting right now.

Let's start with a little simple logic. If good intentions were the fulfillment of life, then everyone would be living a deeply fulfilled and satisfied life. Obviously, as you look around your community, you can see that very few people live deeply fulfilled and satisfied lives.

Some people do enjoy those depths and the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). I suspect that many have just surrendered to getting by and living a so, so, life. That certainly was not God's plan (John 10:10). And then there is that obvious segment out there that are anything but happy on the inside, in their spirit. We can at least pray for these and encourage them if we have an opportunity.

Moving on from simple logic, let's use a bible example. It was one thing for Ruth to say to Naomi, "wherever you go, I will go," and another thing to actually take the journey. Ruth spoke her good intentions, and then she followed through. That is what makes Ruth such a popular bible character. It was not her good intention, but her follow through on those good intentions.

Let me be clear, good intention are a necessary step. Good intentions are part of making progress. An old saying advises us to plan our work and work our plan. Good intentions alone get nothing done, but good intentions with relentless follow through will change your life. Follow through will take you to levels you never imagined you could reach. And that is exciting if you ask me.

Follow through leads to significance, growth, and making one's life count. When Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matt. 10:38). He is not being mean. He is trying to lead us to those higher planes of life where we truly connect with the abundant life. He calls for us to take up our cross is a call to move beyond good intentions and follow through.

We see this call for follow through again in Luke 6:46, when He asked, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things that I say." The comfort and stability that people desire is available, with follow through. The deep meaningful relationships that nourish our hearts, are available in Christ with follow through.

Having a good intention is a first step, but it is not the completion of the goal.

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