God's Will

1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God . . .”

As each new year rolls around, we begin thinking in terms of resolutions and decisions that we must make. Our hearts and minds may be in the right place as we resolve to do this or resolve to do that, but without seeking God’s will in each new decision, we end up just spinning our wheels. The resolutions we make are either based upon our own fleshly wants and desires or are not based on what God wants for us. Many Christians have chosen to live by their own plans rather than seek the will of God.

We question whether we should take a new job – or buy a new car – or move to a new place – or change to a new church. As we contemplate these decisions, we should inquire as to what God’s will is. Whether the decision is one as large as these or one of many small day to day choices, it is important to seek God’s face. Let us cry out with the psalmist, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (Psa 143:10)”

But how can we know what God’s will is? We do know that God promised us in John 10:10, that we could “have life, and . . . have it more abundantly.” We can only do this if we will follow Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” If we are truly given over to Him, we can know God’s Will, but it is not some mystical idea, so His will cannot be determined by mysticism. According to Dr. Harold Sightler, God’s will can be known clearly by asking several questions about each choice we have to make:

1. Is that which I do true to the Scriptures? Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,” and it leads us in His ways. He will never lead us to do that which His Word clearly forbids or lead us to disobey that which His Word clearly commands. If it is expressly forbidden in the Bible, we can be assured that it is not in the will of God.

2. Is that which I do ethical? God’s Word is our moral compass, from which He teaches us ethical behavior. And He expects us to measure each decision by that compass. If any choice that you make violates that ethical behavior, you can be assured that it is not in the will of God.

3. Is that which I do bringing glory to Jesus? 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Everything we undertake to do should glorify Him. If your decision does not glorify Christ, or if it glorifies anything or anyone other than Christ, you can be assured it is not the will of God.

4. Is that which I do governed by the true values of life? What are the true values of life? God – Family – Church – Morality – these are the things we should strive to fulfill in our lives. If the choice you make goes against the Christian values you have been taught from God's Word, you can be assured it is not God's will.

5. Is that which I do providing inward peace for me? God promises that “the work of righteousness shall be peace, (Isa 32:17).” When we do His will, he will bring about a peace in our hearts that assures us of being in the center of His will. He will show you His will – He promises – “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isa 30:21)” God will give you His perfect peace if your decisions are the right ones, but if not, you can be assured He's not in it.

6. Is that which I do altogether unselfish? Sometimes selfish motivations can affect our attempts to know and do God’s will. "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:3)” If your fleshly lusts are the only motivations you have, you can be assured it not His will.

7. Is that which I do proving a blessing to other people? 1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” We should make decisions based on how it blesses those around us – how it affects of family, our friends, and everyone we come in contact with. If it doesn't bring blessings to others - if it does not edify others - if it proves to be a stumblingblock to others, you can be assured God is not pleased.

Doing His will is the mark of true wisdom. "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)”