In this complex world we are confronted with discerning intent on a daily basis. Intent is purpose, an anticipated outcome that guides your planned actions. Intent has a beginning point and a direction. Direction is established by a beginning point and at least one additional point or position, effectively a double witness.
There are many powerful people with intent who can impact the economic picture. For example, George Soros single-handedly extracted a billion dollars from the Bank of England on September 16, 1992. Oklahoma native Sam Walton built Wal-mart and wiped out thousands of family-owned businesses across the country. Former President Bill Clinton formed a foundation and has received hundreds of millions in contributions from the who’s who in the global community.
Our Heavenly Father established a purpose for everyone on earth:
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Each of us is called to a purpose and our intent should line up with our purpose. Purpose would denote an outcome while intent is an action or actions guiding you to that outcome. Intent has anticipated consequences whereas risk has unanticipated results. As we walk through this life, our goal is to minimize risks and fulfill our purpose. The best way to minimize risk is to seek the counsel of GOD’S will for you. With over 6,000,000,000 people on earth with varying intents that may affect each of us in a distinct and unique way, it is critical that we assess our intent on a daily basis.
Each of us is responsible for our own actions. Who knows what you should invest in? Our Heavenly Father. Who knows when you should "pass" on an investment? Our Heavenly Father. Who knows what house you should buy? Our Heavenly Father. There are influential people out there who understand mass psychology and use it to manipulate people toward their agenda. Bernie Madoff is a case in point and his Ponzi scheme is still being unraveled. Could Bernie have achieved success if each of the investors, with a pure heart, had sought Our Heavenly Father and received His counsel about the intent of Madoff? NO! Bernie Madoff relied on the "idols in their hearts" to further his scheme. Did Madoff begin his investment career with this intent? I don’t believe so. Bernie’s intent changed over time. He started off making money for his clients but veered off course slightly and as time passed his ego kicked in resulting in the Ponzi scheme. Once his comfort level rose and without scrutinizing his intent and purpose, the rest is history.
"Idols in the heart" present one of the greatest challenges to be overcome by each of us. You can be broke and still have the idol of riches. You can drive a jalopy and idolize a Mercedes or Lexus. Investors are challenged by their lust of money and that is why over 90% of the day traders consistently lose money. Their ego and emotions overpower that "still small voice". Investments with greater complexities should be avoided by the small investor. If every investor focused on his individual purpose and reviewed his intent in investing, borrowing, and spending, the country would not be in the current financial crisis. You might say that this is an impossibility. When unity with GOD occurs, nothing is impossible. The Creator has ownership of the created and has given us the capacity to be in one accord. However, Our Heavenly Father imparted ownership to us and then provided us with laws concerning ownership. Ownership has conditions attached to it. If you operate according to the idols of your heart, you will lose title to those things you have been given or you will be unable to attain those things you seek after.
Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
As we walk uprightly in our intent, no good thing will be withheld. Judging the intent of others can get you into trouble. Only judgment through GOD’S eyes can the intent of the person be determined:
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
The questions to be asked when you are being confronted with an unexpected negative situation:
1. Is there an action I took that caused this to occur?
2. Is there an idol in my heart motivating me?
3. Did I ask My Heavenly Father about this matter before I became involved?
4. Is this a test to see how I respond thus to uncover a "heart issue"?
5. Is the loss I might suffer a matter of salvation?
6. How would Love respond?
7. Will this result in refocusing my efforts toward my calling?
When discerning intent, be careful that you are pure in heart:
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.