Intentions vs. Commitments: Where do you stand?

Have you ever told someone you would do something, but then didn't?

Of course, we all have. And sometimes we may say to ourselves that it wasn't that big of a deal. We may say that even though we told a friend we would do them a small favor but didn't, that they can get along without our help. Or maybe we told our parents that we would run to the store for them but didn't, and figured that they could stop and get the milk on the way home from work tomorrow. Or maybe we intended to take an hour out of a busy day to just relax and read a book for ourselves but didn't, figuring that there are more important things to be done and that it can wait.

Intentions vs. commitments.

Why intend if we don't plan to commit? What good does it do to say we will do something and then not follow through? Is it smart to intend to do something but never commit, or smarter to not intend in the first place so as to not let anyone else, or ourselves down in the end?

Most people have nothing but "good intentions" but what good are they if they are not followed through with?

And furthermore, how is it that sometimes people do exactly the opposite of what it is they intended to do? This question is drawn from Vince's sermon at St. Paul's this past Sunday. He spoke about Peter's intentions of laying down his life for Jesus and how he meant to do nothing but good. He was greatly saddened by the thought of his leader no longer being able to lead and intended to do anything he needed to to change those circumstances.

In the end, however, he did exactly the opposite of what he intended. Instead of listening to Jesus and letting things play out the way they would, and joining him later on, he attempted to change the path, to alter the events that were bound to take place anyway.

Vince went on to explain that his actions were completely understandable, because he was exhausted both physically and emotionally, but they were also inexcusable.

So, not only are we capable of intending but not committing; we are also capable of doing exactly the opposite of what we intend.

It would be wise if we all though first about what we set as our intentions and make sure that we can commit to what we say, and keep the small or large promises we make to ourselves and others each and every day.