Good Intentions and God’s Will

Some folks have the best of intentions and desire to do what’s right more than anything. Take King David, for example. He wanted to build a temple for the Lord; he told Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent” (1 Chr 17:1). The idea sounded good to God’s prophet, too; Nathan replied, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you” (1 Chr 17:2).

That night, however, God sent a message to David through Nathan: “This is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in” (1 Ch 17:4). God would have David’s son Solomon build the temple (1 Chr 17:12). The Lord, though, recognized David’s good intentions and praised the man after God’s own heart; the Lord would build a house for David by establishing a dynasty through Solomon (1 Chr 17:10-14).

David’s intentions were good and solid; we know that, for God only spoke praise for the king in his message through Nathan. However, we also know from God’s message that David’s good intentions were inconsistent with his will. Instead of being bitter because God denied him his “pet project,” David submitted himself to God’s will and went so far as to gather supplies for the temple’s construction and to instruct Solomon on how to build God’s house (1 Chr 22:2-19).

Sometimes our good intentions may not be consistent with the will of God. Unless Scripture speaks to what we desire, it’s impossible for us to know if God wills us to carry out our good intentions (the only way David knew God did not want him to build the temple was through divine revelation). Therefore, it’s wise for us to remember to pray, like Jesus in the Garden, that God’s will be done. James reminded us of the necessity of keeping ourselves open to God’s will: “You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil” (Js 4:15-16).

Don’t be arrogant. Don’t think your good intentions, your plans, and your ideas are always the right ones. Leave yourself open to God’s leading. Allow God’s will to be done in your life.