Intentionnometer Part One-Dr Nathaniel Omilani

 

Our actions and reactions are always motivated by a given intention. We also judge the intentions of other people based on their actions and inactions. As rational human beings, we do this daily with family, friends and colleagues. Sometimes, the actions and intentions of the people around us do not align. This often stresses the relationships we have in our lives. An example of hostile intentions and good action was the case of Judas in the book of John 12:5-6.

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 

Judas Iscariot saw a woman anointing Jesus with costly oil. His action was condemnation, but within Judas, he was not condemning the woman’s action for good intentions; instead, he wanted money that he could steal.

Jesus Christ, who is God in the form of man, always see beyond men’s actions while he is on earth. He could see the intention of men very clearly. This very clear in the following scriptures

Luke 5:22

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 

Matthew 9:4

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

Mark 2:8

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Luke 9:47

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Luke 11:17

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.  

Unlike Jesus, whose judgement of the actions and intentions of men is always precise and accurate, we often misjudge both the actions and intentions of people around us. This is a major source of stress and conflict in marriage, family, churches, friendship, and society. This does not exclude spirit-filled children of God.

For example, husbands often choose not to tell their wives somethings, not because the husbands have bad intentions, but they are only trying to protect their wives. Thus, many crises will be avoided if we understand that our intentionnometer may give a false reading and evaluation of the actions of the loved ones around us.

What is Intentionnometer?

They are simply the decision rules with which we draw inferences on people actions in order to determine their intention. For example, a member of my church at a point accused a particular usher that she usually uses the collection bag to hit her hands when she wants to drop her donation. (In Yoruba ofi Igba Ore gun mi lowo). Her intentionnometer tells her that the action of the usher is because she has something against her.

You and I might be very wrong even when we feel that the holy ghost has spoken to us. In a fit of rage, King Ahasuerus took Haman’s plea for mercy for an attempt to rape the queen Esther (Esther 7:1-9). Although God was working behind the scene to destroy the enemy of the Jews, our judgement of the intentions and actions of others might undoubtedly be wrong. And if we don’t restrain ourselves, profitable relationships may be destroyed. Eli said to Hannah, take your wine away from you, and he is not aware that the woman was pouring her heart to God.

Example of Wrong Intentionnometer II Samuel 10

David had a good relationship with the King of Ammon. Unfortunately, the king of Ammon died, and his son (Hanum) reigned after him. King David sent his notable officials to register his condolences and at the same time congratulate the new king. Unfortunately, King Hanum and his princes misjudged David’s intentions of comfort and kindness for spying. They concluded that David came to spy, and they assaulted all the men sent by David. Their beard was shaved halfway, and their garment was cut in the buttock by King Hanum. The humiliation of David’s men led to war. David and his soldiers killed seven hundred chariots, men of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen during the war.

The consequence of Using Wrong Intentionnometer

Hanum lost a formidable ally in King David. David always rewarded the children of men who were good to him. Still, Hanum could not draw from the reward of his fathers’ goodness to David like Mephibosheth. Many divorces are not necessary if there are good intentionnomete. Many friendships will also be safe, and covenant relationships kept intact.

Action Point

1. In the place of prayer, tell God to forgive you in all situations in which you have used the wrong intentionnometer.
2. Tell God to help you with Jesus type of intentionnometer
3. Pray for the restoration of the relationships which your wrong intentionnometer has destroyed
4. Approach those you have misjudged their actions and apologize.