Check-Up

I read this in a book: “God cares more about the intent than the execution.” The context was about prayer and in that way I agree.

When we are talking about prayer I think God is more concerned about the posture of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.

Although, I did find Matthew 6:7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. The word babble is repeating idle or empty words. God doesn’t want a show where we try to impress others and we’re saying words just to say words.

BUT there are many other verses about prayer and how God wants us to come to Him. Here are a few:
* Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
* Jeremiah 28:12 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
* Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

In all the Scriptures I read about prayer, they all had the same theme of coming and asking. Which requires humility. If we think we can or should be able to handle it on our own, we won’t humble our heart to ask. That’s the posture God is looking for.

As we learn and grow as Jesus-Followers we will not always get it right. We will react and say or do something that isn’t what Jesus would want. That’s where forgiveness comes in. We can ask for it from others as well as receive it for ourselves. How freeing to know we are not disqualified by our mistakes and missteps.

But as I kept thinking about, it didn’t sit right as a blanket statement for our life. A different side to the same coin or in this case the same saying would be that God does cares how we speak and act, especially as Followers of Jesus. Here’s a few:
* John 15:12 “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
* Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
* Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
* Romans 12:10 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
* 1 Corinthians 11:1 “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

In the case of how we live our lives, the execution is absolutely just as important as the intent of our hearts.

How can we tell others to follow us as we follow Jesus, if we’re not following Jesus? Do we look like Him in how we treat others or do we sound like Him when we talk to others? Do we pray lofty prayers but curse out the crazy driver or be rude to the server at lunch?

“May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14

David wanted his words and the things he thought about to be pleasing to God, which means we can have ones that are not. I know I do. It’s a skill we need to develop as we mature as Jesus-Followers. An interesting note on the word meditation; it refers to thoughts we have on repeat; whispers and plotting of our hearts; musings and resounding music.

What are the things we consistently and constantly think about? What are we rehearsing over and over? What are we allowing ourselves to dwell on and make plans for? Proverbs 23:7 says how we think, we will be.

Yes, I want my intention to be pure and right, but I need to back that up with how I actually live. I want to love and treat others so they can see and hear something different than they be may used to … Jesus. To see His love for them through me.

So, let’s do a quick check-up on ourselves…how are you doing? What areas need some attention? Is there an area that might need forgiveness and grace to be asked for or received?

What a wonderful way to start this new year by realigning our hearts and thoughts to God, His Word and purpose for us.

I hope you have a wonderful day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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