Intent & Motivation

Today I was online doing some research for work and I was looking at quotes on the subject of respect. Some were not useful for work but they were useful for me personally. Sometimes things hit you when you least expect them, and when that happens to me… I pay attention. God is usually trying to tell me something.

Well, my attention was snagged by the following quote: Certain people have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates. We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of our true intent.

I read that and it really hit me. People do have a way of saying things that either turn me off or really intrigue me. It can uplift or convict. Sometimes what they say to me may be about one of my many faults, or something that I did and the outcome was offensive to them. The impact is shattering, and much of how I interpret their statements depends on their intent behind their words. Do they really intend to do me good? Do they intend to hurt me? Which after asking those questions, I have to turn the spotlight onto myself. How do I come across to others? Do they know the intent of my heart?

I cannot sugarcoat my feelings, but I do try to articulate them in a way that builds people up in a positive way. I do want to show them the intent of my heart, but what if the things I need to say will bring pain? Do I say them? What is my motivation behind saying it? Is it to convict or console? Is this friend or foe? I have to be honest and say what I feel, but also need to make sure I have examined myself and my true intent. Am I helping or hindering?

There are so many questions to answer that it’s amazing I have any time to actually speak at all. Maybe that’s the true intent; I need to think more and speak less. And when I do speak, I need to make sure that my friend knows the intent of my heart above all else.

Lord, please guard my tongue. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. You have blessed me with a great desire to talk, but I also know you have created within me a “stop button.” Sometimes, Lord, I forget where you put it. Help me to find it, use it when appropriate, and to turn it back on when the time is right. You have placed the desire to help within me, but sometimes I forget to let you work and I try to make things happen on my own. Forgive me. And Lord, please help my friends to know that while my intent is sincere, I am flawed and will make mistakes. Help me to do better. Amen.