“There’s actually a psychological term . . . called the ‘intention-action gap.’ The ideas is that most of us live our lives in the gap between intention and action. Lingering in the procrastination zone is a way of giving up without actually saying it.”- Kyle Idleman
“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”- Luke 9:23 (NIV)
As Kyle Idleman continues Chapter 9 of Don’t Give Up, he observes that when we consider how hard our journey will be, we’re often ready to give up. Hence, we wind up quitting before we ever take our first step. Perhaps the size of our task seems too huge. Or maybe we allow our emotions to counsel us rather than clear, logical thinking. Pastor Idleman adds:
“One of the reasons we don’t end up taking the first step until it feels too late is because we have had good intentions of taking the first step for a long time. . . . Good intentions have a way of making us feel like we’re doing something when we really haven’t done anything. We pat ourselves on the back for having good intentions, but we’ve never actually taken the first step.”
Therefore, Kyle cautions, don’t convince yourself that good intentions signal your first step. Even with good intentions, you must exercise staunch discipline to run the race. Because, at any moment, it’s all too easy to stop and catch your breath. But making easy moves never wins the race. Moment by moment, you must align your actions with your intentions.
Finally, Jesus issues an invitation to all who might follow Him. We need to pick up our cross every day and keep walking. And every day doesn’t happen by accident!
Today’s question: What keeps you in the intention-action gap? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Reap what we sow – regardless of intent”
