15 September 2009 | 4 comments

The death of good intentions Andrew Barry

Tony Payne16/09/2009 02:45 AM

Ooh, Andrew, that one hurts. This has been a besetting sin of mine—over-promising (from good intentions) but then under-delivering (from over-business and lack of organization). Thanks for the encouragement/rebuke!

The other part of Scripture that speaks to me on this topic is Jesus little parable in Matthew 21 about the two sons—one of whom refuses to work in the vineyard but then changes his mind and goes; and the other who says he will go, but then doesn’t. In context, it’s about the repentance of the prostitutes and tax collectors in contrast to the faithlessness of the Jewish leaders. But there’s a sharp lesson in it on this topic: saying you will do something is easy, but it then remains to be done. Faithfulness = promise + fulfilment (which is why God is so supremely faithful).

Thanks again

Tony

Andrew Barry17/09/2009 03:32 AM

I agree with the pain Tony.  There are probably many people who have read my post that can list off the things that I haven’t done that I said I would.  I am very conscious of it.  And I wish it were not the case.

What you said in your last sentence about faithfulness is incredibly profound.  I hope people didn’t miss it.

But there’s a sharp lesson in it on this topic: saying you will do something is easy, but it then remains to be done. Faithfulness = promise + fulfilment (which is why God is so supremely faithful).

Ian Carmichael17/09/2009 09:12 AM

I agree with the Payne Tony too.

Emma Thornett20/09/2009 07:32 AM

Tony,

I could perhaps help you with the over-promising and under-delivering problem.

(Although I should clarify: I’m offering to promise less on your behalf. I’m not offering to help you deliver more. That might mean more work for me.)

Emma
PA to Tony Payne

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Tony Payne

Tony Payne

Paul is one of the Staff Editors at Matthias Media. He is married to Cathy and has three fantastic kids. He loves student ministry, reading, writing music and playing the saxophone, and is looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.

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