The Spell of Good Intentions

There is a parable given to us by Jesus that is seldom considered but that I find very instructive and inspiring.  "There was a man who had two sons.  The father went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'  And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he changed his mind and went.  And the father went to the second son and said the same and he answered, 'I will, sir,' but did not go.  Which of the two did the will of his father?" [Matthew 21:28-31].

What is the point of this parable?  Is it not meant to show us the danger of saying "Yes" in too great a hurry, if even it is well meant?  Though the yes-brother was not a deceiver when when he said "Yes," he nevertheless became a deceiver when he failed to keep his promise.  In fact, it may have even been in his very eagerness in promising that he became a deceiver.  When we say "Yes" or promise something, we can very easily deceive ourselves and others also, as if we had already done what we promised.  It is all too easy to think that by making a promise we have already done at least part of what we have promised ... as if the promise itself was something of value.  Which, of course, it isn't!  In fact, when we do not do what we have promised, it is a long way back to the truth.

We should beware.  The "Yes" of promise keeping is sleep-inducing.  An honest "No" possesses much more promise.  It can stimulate and repentance may not be so far away.  He who says "No," can become almost afraid of himself; whereas he who says "Yes, I will," is all too pleased with himself.  The world seems quite inclined -- almost too eager -- to make promises, for a promise appears very fine in the moment -- it virtually inspires!  And it is for this very reason the eternal is suspicious of promises.

Now suppose that neither of the brothers did his father's will.  Then the one who said "No" was surely closer to realizing that he did not do his father's will.  There is nothing hidden in a "no," but a "yes" can very easily become a deception, a self-deception; which of all deceptions is the most difficult to conquer.  And thus this proves the old axiom, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" to be all too true.

It is a most dangerous thing for a person to go backwards with the help of good intentions, especially with the help of promises unkept.  When a person turns his back on someone and walks away, it is very easy to determine where he is going.  But when a person finds himself looking at who he is walking away from, and thus is walking backwards while appearing to greet that person, give him assurances that he is, in fact, coming though getting further away at the same time, then it is not so easy to become aware.  And so it is with the one who, rich in good intentions and quick to promise, retreats backwards further and further from the good.  With every renewed intention and promise it seems as if he is taking a new step forward when in reality he is walking backwards.

We do not praise the son who said "No," but we need to learn from the parable just how dangerous it is to say, "Lord, I will."  Far too many of us have been deceived in this manner ... almost as if we've been cast under the spell of the enemy.