“…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…”
Colossians 1:10
The will of the Lord is not a difficult thing to find for a Christian. We have a tendency to miss-define the will of God. As a result we painstakingly attempt to “find” Gods’ will as if we were on a quest to find the buried treasure of a long forgotten high seas pirate. God has a secret and sovereign will that we will never be able to discover. We merely are made aware of His sovereign will as God unfolds it through time.
God also has a moral will. This will deals with what God has determined to be His standards of “right and wrong” based on His glorious character. This moral will is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and can be easily discovered by diligent searching by the children of God. We are free to do as we please and make decisions as we choose as long as our desires and decisions do not violate this moral will of God revealed in the Scriptures.
What of everyday life? What is God’s will for each and every day of our lives? This this not complicated either. The Apostle Paul prayed consistently for the Colossian believers that they would be “filled,” to be fully supplied or abounding in the knowledge of God’s will, or what God desires. What is that God desires? What is it that God would have us to be fully supplied with or abounding in?
The answer is as follows, that we would make use of every opportunity as we make our way through life in such a way that is suitable to the character and nature of God. In other words, Paul prayed continually that the Colossian believers would be made fully aware of how to take every opportunity to live in such a way that pleased God.
In every decision that you make and in every opportunity that you face God desires that you live in such a way that pleases Him. It is not a question of what blouse to wear today or what suit to put on. God doesn’t care if you become a fireman or an insurance salesman or if you move to Akron, Ohio. He leaves those decisions to you as long as they do not violate His moral will which is clearly revealed in His Word. God cares a great deal of how you are living in relationship to His glorious character and your redemptive status as a Son of God.
The question then, is how are you doing? Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to live in a manner that pleases God? Does your attitude and actions reflect His glorious nature and character? Are you living in a manner that is consistently with your standing as a child of God?
I am praying for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will (moral will) in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
6 comments:
Well said, Gregg. I lived too long trying to "find" the will of God. This led to making moral issues out of things that were not moral issues according to the Bible. There is great freedom in trusting His providence and living based on what He has revealed in the Word.
I can barely contain my enthusiasm for this post. Not because I've arrived at the whole "pleasing God" thing, but because it's so reassuring to know that God is providentially working in all my decisions to bring about His plans and purposes.
Thanks for praying for your readers, I appreciate that. I pray God will continue to use you to proclaim His word through your blog.
I love the way Mark's gospel records the calling of the twelve. He called them "so that they might be with him." I know the 12 had a special calling. But I think this statement clearly defines much of God's will for His servants: that we be with Him; walk with Him, seek Him, love Him, obey Him, please Him, etc... be with Him.
As usual, you've hit it on the head again, brother.
Hello Gregg,
Thank you for this very practical post. There is often much confusion for belivers regarding finding God's will for our lives. You have written an excellent down to earth piece.
Thank you for introducing yourself on my blog and linking it to yours. I will do the same!
God bless you brother!
ps. I see we have some other things in common. Our anniversary is July 1973, we also have 4 grandchildren, we're from California, and we are currently involved in a new church plant here in Northern Nevada (one month old now!) I pray God will lead you in your endeavor in this way! :)
Oh, and my husband was also a pastor in Washington state.
Well said Pastor Gregg. We must be in the Word of God and the Word of God must be in us. Then we may know the will of our heavenly Father and live a life pleasing in His eyes. Glory!
I liked this Gregg. In a similar thought I like the picture we see in Romans 8 of God's will being conformed in the image of Jesus.
Post a Comment