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Intention Matters

~ Robin Jacob ~

As we navigate through life's twists and turns, we encounter a multitude of voices and teachings that mold our beliefs and guide our actions. Yet, what holds the greatest significance is the intention behind these teachings. For those of us who are Christians, it's imperative to scrutinize the motives behind all the lessons, sermons, and even the scriptures themselves. Why is this scrutiny necessary? Because what we choose to believe doesn't just linger as abstract thoughts; it materializes in our lives, shaping our reality and touching not only our own existence but also the lives of those around us. God, who isn't just our Creator but also our Father, has instilled a universal principle: the beliefs we hold dear will inevitably manifest in our lives. He encourages us to choose life, not merely as a suggestion but as a directive (Deuteronomy 30). It's fascinating how we scrutinize minor aspects of our lives, investing precious minutes, hours, and days into inconsequential matters. Yet, the issues I'm discussing here bear eternal consequences. It's only wise to question the intentions behind these teachings. Asking questions shouldn't be perceived as a sign of doubt; rather, it's an indication of a quest for understanding. Jesus himself urged us to ask, seek, and knock, much like explorers seeking hidden treasures (Matthew 7:7).

A common misconception is that any statement quoted from the Bible should be blindly accepted. This misconception has persisted for centuries, often leading to the abuse of religion's power over humanity. This misuse of faith has fueled some of history's darkest chapters, from slavery to war to unspeakable acts of violence. Astonishingly, this trend continues even in today's era of social media. Understanding the Creator's intentions through careful examination of His teachings and gifts can unveil the ultimate truth. One of the reasons Jesus advised us to be childlike is because children possess a remarkable gift: they incessantly question the world around them, striving to unravel the "whys" of existence. While we often associate this quality with innocence, it also signifies a deep desire to grasp the underlying intentions of things.

Consider the last time you, as a devout Christian who attends church, reads the Bible, and prays, approached God with childlike curiosity, asking "why" questions. Did you ever question God about the purpose behind creating humanity, or the significance of specific Bible verses? And if not God, did you at least question your pastors, preachers, or elders? More often than not, we bypass these inquiries, driven by a desire to maintain a positive standing within our church community. Instead, we adhere to tradition and rituals, sometimes hypocritically so. One of the best examples to show how important is questioning the intentions In the Bible shown by , the Apostle Paul's exploration of the intentions behind sin and grace, as outlined in Romans 5 and 6, reveals profound insights into their purpose and the truth they hold.

Romans 5
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Positive change begins with self-improvement. Similarly, if you genuinely seek answers about your identity, purpose, the nature of God, and the realities of existence, the best starting point is questioning the intentions behind everything. This isn't an invitation to accept everything blindly; it's an invitation to scrutinize, to validate teachings with personal life experiences. If God and His ways are authentic, genuine experiences will follow. Such questioning is not an expression of doubt but rather an expression of faith in God's Word and a genuine desire to comprehend His intentions. In conclusion, question the intentions behind everything that comes your way. Ultimately, intention matters profoundly.