Our Best Intentions

Over 20 years ago I cut this ad out of a magazine because I thought it was weird and hilarious.  I still do.  The punchline in small print at the bottom reads, "Not even the best intentions can guarantee finesse 'n' success."  If there was ever a photo worth more than a thousand words, this might be it.

As the picture illustrates, best intentions do not guarantee a good outcome.  A classic example of this from the Bible is seen in the life of David when he decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.  His intentions were admirable, but the lack of preparation and negligence in the execution of the deed resulted in the sudden death of Uzza.  The party atmosphere was immediately hushed by death and the frustration of David's best intentions angered him.  He decided it was not the time to bring the Ark into Jerusalem.  Ultimately there was a good outcome, for during three months after the tragedy David sought guidance from the Bible which explained the proper order God had established.

David's best intentions could not atone for negligence and the disobedience which followed.  After reading the scripture he realised only Levites who had been sanctified were to transport the Ark by carrying it on their shoulders.  Their failure to follow God's due order - despite their "good" intentions - resulted in disaster.  David told the priests in 1 Chronicles 15:12-13, "You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. ¹³ For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order."  The Levites were sanctified, the singers organised, they were instructed about the song, and doorkeepers were prepared for security appropriate for the occasion.  Tears of sadness at the death of Uzza were turned to joy when the Ark was successfully brought in with rejoicing.

We can make the mistake of assuming our intentions are pure and honourable in our service for God.  Yet even if our intentions are honourable as David's were they do not guarantee we have sought God or if our actions are pleasing in His eyes.  In our day of grace we might casually excuse our negligence or sloppiness with, "God knows my heart" - as if we assume this releases us from guilt before God for sin.  Let us not forget in our flesh there dwells no good thing and our hearts are naturally deceptive and wicked, capable of sin which escapes our notice.  If my saving grace is the goodness of my heart, I am damned without hope!  I need Jesus to give me a new heart and to purify me by the power of the Gospel.  The Bible is of critical importance so I might know God and see myself in truth according to God's righteous judgments.

Our best intentions are not sufficient to glorify and please God, even as a dinner date and a "Laser" haircut do not eliminate the potential of awkward blunders.  Sharing a meal is one thing, but the worship and honour of God is of far greater importance.  If we will take pains to look our best before going out for a meal, how much more circumspect we ought to be as we walk on holy ground in the presence of God!