It's The Action, Not The Intention

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
-Proverbs 10:4

"I went to the gym, got to the front door, and just turned around."

I heard this statement the other day by a fellow college student, and then the reasons justifying the decision to turn around head back home. I was reminded of how unfortunate it is when we believe the elementary aged lie that "it's the thought that counts!" So often we all have great intentions; to send that encouraging e-mail, make that phone call, do something nice for a friend. Then we become lazy or forgetful, and hope that we will do it the next time.

Many times we consider those who are financially stable as "lucky," or even just that they have it easy. And we consider those who are generous or who take the time to serve others as "thoughtful." More times than not, both of those beliefs are false. Yes, some people come from financially easier backgrounds, but if they don't work hard and are not wise with their money, then end up losing it all anyway. So typically, those who are financially stable are diligent; they work hard and steward their money wisely. Even more so, those who do things for others are a lot of times not any more thoughtful than the rest, they just put to action their intentions.

So often, we all come up with some sort of excuse as to why we don't do something as well as we should, or why we aren't disciplined in some area. Making it sound like we are the victim of something, when really it usually amounts to us simply being lazy. I am horrible at following through with many of my intentions, but we must recognize it's the action that counts, not the intention. We all know it; your actions are what give you integrity, not what you say, and certainly not what you think. Go to the gym all you want, but don't expect to see a difference unless you go inside.