“Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.” (Psalm 125:4 NIV)
Good intentions equals an upright heart. One of the prayers I pray most often: “Lord, bless my efforts.” As I take steps of faith to follow Jesus, I pray I’m heading in the right direction. Oftentimes, people misjudge our actions. They don’t understand our intent is good, our actions bumbling. God understands the intentions of our heart. He blesses our efforts when our hearts are inline with His.
Good intentions equals an upright heart.
I have a knack for touching the tip of the iceberg with people. Unwittingly, I ask the right question that touches a nerve. My intent is not to harm. However, people aren’t always receptive to the truth, nor do they want to discuss it. Jesus experienced the same thing in His ministry. People weren’t receptive to His truth:
“Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37 NIV)
Why wouldn’t people want to know the truth? Why wouldn’t they want the unconditional love of Jesus in their life? The Jews rejected the truth of Jesus. People reject the truth we try to speak into their lives. One reason, the truth is hard to accept.
The truth is, none of us are perfect. We are all sinners. In order to enter into a relationship with Jesus, we have to accept these truths about ourselves. Admitting I have sinned isn’t easy. When I’ve offended a friend and have to apologize, it’s humbling.
I have a dog walking business. When I walk someone’s dog, I always text a picture and update how the walk went. I’ve forgotten twice in the last couple of weeks to text an update to one of my clients. The owner had to text me to make sure I walked her dog. I’m a communication major, yet I failed at the most basic of communication. Admitting my faults to my client isn’t easy. But it is necessary. I have to take responsibility for my actions. I have to tell the truth. My client knows my intent isn’t bad. She understands my humanity. She gave me grace. I experienced God’s goodness through my client, who gave me grace.
Our intentions are what makes an upright heart. When we try to do good, we please God. We may falter in our attempts, but He knows our intent:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
God sees your heart. He knows you’re trying. Ask Him to bless your efforts today.
Question of the Day:
Where do you need God’s help today in aligning your heart with His?
Further Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-3:2 NIV, Acts 5:1-42 NIV, Psalm 125:1-5 NIV, Proverbs 16:25 NIV
