In the realm of Christian living, few principles are as vital as the connection between intention and action. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, brings this principle to the forefront in 2 Corinthians 8:11: "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have." This verse invites us to move beyond mere intentions into the realm of action, bridging the gap between our desires and our deeds.

To fully appreciate the depth of Paul’s encouragement, we must examine the context of this message. Paul is addressing the church in Corinth regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He acknowledges their initial willingness to contribute and encourages them to follow through with tangible action. This scenario isn’t unique to Corinth; it is reflective of our daily Christian walk. How often do we feel the stirrings of a good intention—perhaps to serve, to give, to love, or to share the Gospel—yet fail to translate these desires into concrete actions?

The clarity of Paul’s exhortation lies in the phrase "perform the doing of it." Central to our faith is the understanding that actions speak louder than words. While it is indeed commendable to have the desire to do good, it is imperative that such desires culminate in action. The readiness to will signifies an internal decision to engage with God’s calling, but if we stop there, we risk becoming complacent. The challenge is not merely in the willingness but in the execution. Paul urges the Corinthians, and us, to align our actions with our intentions.

Furthermore, Paul highlights a crucial realization: that our performance stems from "that which ye have." This statement is profound as it introduces the idea of stewardship. God has bestowed upon us not only the desire to serve but also the resources—talents, time, finances, and opportunities—to make our intentions a reality. We must recognize that these gifts are not solely for our benefit but are entrusted to us for the sake of the Kingdom. As stewards, we have a responsibility to utilize what we have been given for God’s glory.

It is vital to understand that this call to "perform" does not equate to a burdensome obligation. Rather, it is an invitation to participate in God’s work through our gifts and abilities. God desires both our hearts and our hands in service. When our readiness to will is complemented by performance, we embody the essence of faith living.

Additionally, the act of moving from intention to action can be daunting. We may feel anxious about the level of our abilities or the impact of our contributions. Here, we must remind ourselves of the power of God at work within us. Philippians 2:13 assures us, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." The incredible truth is that even our desire to serve comes from God! He empowers us to follow through as we yield to His leading.

Let us take a moment to consider practical ways we can live out this principle. Perhaps you have felt prompted to support a missionary or to volunteer at a local charity. Reflect on what has stirred your heart and then take steps to act on it. If it is to pray, then schedule regular times for prayer. If giving is on your heart, assess how you can contribute (be it time, resources, or finances) and make a plan.

As we navigate life in faith, let us heed Paul’s call. Readiness without performance is merely ambition. Jesus modeled this beautifully in His ministry, showing us that readiness in heart and will must be matched by action. As we take small steps to "perform the doing of it," we will see God use our willing hearts to impact the world around us.

Today, take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where your willingness needs to translate into action. Commit to performing the good works God has prepared for you, and watch as you grow in both faith and fruitfulness.