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Judging Intentions by Carl McMurray
In 2007 Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for his work concerning climate change. The science that he used in his film documentary was flawed and I understand that some of the scientists that originally backed that work have now backed off their support of those efforts. But, it is not the facts of his efforts that were being rewarded. It was his intentions to push the ideology of man-made climate change that was being applauded.
This past week our President was awarded the same prestigious offer and we note that he was nominated for that honor the second week of his term in office. Now think back. What did he do in the first two weeks of his term that would have earned him the Nobel Peace Prize? It took longer than two weeks for him to get his daughters a new dog for the White House. Again, we’re forced to the conclusions that this political panel was not awarding this honor for any accomplished effort. According to AP articles they were just applauding his intentions toward things like nuclear disarmament and international diplomacy efforts.
What does the Nobel Peace Prize have to do with spiritual matters, you might ask? I only use this esteemed panel to illustrate my point that what happens in the highest centers of judgment in the world also happens in the individual centers of judgment, the conscience of men and women. We have the tendency to make judgments based upon intentions. These intentions may be based on misunderstanding or they may be just talk without the benefit of any efforts at all, as in the examples above. They may be great intentions and based upon a sincere love for one’s fellow man, or not. They may be in others or they may be in self, but they are still just intentions. They are plans, feelings, desires, wants, and goals. They are NOT actions. They are intentions.
It is important to remember that God is not a man and he does not judge like men. He is not so interested in what we plan to do someday or want to do, as far as obedience to His will is concerned. 2 Corinthians 5:10 teaches us “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Note, it is for what we have “done” that we will receive our due reward, not what we intended to do. Don’t confuse the judgment of men with the judgment of God. Men are pacified by talk and intentions. God demands that we be “doers of the word and not just hearers who delude themselves.” The man who receives blessing is the man who “does,” not the one who “intends.” God bless your efforts at “doing.” |
