How many times have you begun a project with good intentions but never finished it?

Your desire disappeared, you became disinterested.  Something else caught your attention and imagination and off you went… starting something else.  The first project was put off in a corner somewhere and forgotten.

The Corinthian church had started a project to collect money for believers in great need in Jerusalem.  Then somewhere along the way, they may have lost interest and did not follow through.

(NASB) 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 “I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.
11 But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability.”

The English writer, Charles Dickens, wrote a full length story about such a man in “Great Expectations.”  The man started out with good intentions, many times, and then he fizzled.

Does that describe your life?  Do you have good intentions, even “Great Expectations” but never seem to complete your first intention?

Followers of Christ – we are to follow through with first intentions for others good.  We are to complete what we start.  We are to provide promised monies to others in need according to our ability.  Give what is in hand and not through a loan.

Reputations are on the line.  Your reputation is not only built on your words, but also by following through with your actions.  It takes more than good intentions; it takes mature tenacity to follow through and complete the project or the job.

~ Take it to heart ~

Begin well – with good intentions.

          Desire to do it – for others good.

                    Complete it – according to your ability.