The Will of God

The will of God

By Justin Lessard

Originally written November seventh, two thousand three

 

 

“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” –Hebrews 9:27-28

 

The will of God is a powerful thing. It was by the will of God that Jesus, our Great High Priest, offered Himself as a sacrifice. It was God’s will. He actually wanted it to happen, just as it did. Why? — To “make perfect the ones being consecrated.” (New American Bible) The ones who accept the sacrifice and receive the salvation gift. He willed it to end the offerings that only covered sin. Whereas the priesthood of that time offered daily sacrifices, ineffectual in remitting sin, Jesus offered the only single sacrifice capable of taking the necessity of all other sacrifices away. Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t merely cover sin; it has the power to erase it completely. He cleaned us all, all at once.

Notice, however, the Bible says “the ones being consecrated”. This is because it is a process. We won’t, in an instant, become forever perfect the moment we accept Christ into our lives. We are forgiven of all we’ve done, and then the work begins. Since we know that through Christ’s blood and broken body, which was raised from the dead, we will see God’s Kingdom of Heaven, let us approach with a pure, trusting heart, washed of wickedness; let us approach clean.

The entire walk of Christian faith throughout our life cannot be done alone, although at times, loneliness may be necessary. We would do well to remember that other believers may be in that “lonely place”, just as we’ve all been at some point. We are called to encourage one another, that someone doing well in their walk might maintain that wellness, and to uplift one whose walk might need some inspiration. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Christ encourages us to commit random acts of kindness, and acts out of love. (See Colossians 3:12) While remembering that salvation is in Christ alone, not in works, those generosities do much to let others know that there is a difference about you. (See Ephesians 2:8-9) Others should generally be able to tell that you are “different”; or “set apart”; almost anywhere you go in life. If the kindness and love of Christ is truly in us, we will strive to exemplify both of these aspects of His character. Even things as simple as giving a smile and saying, “thank you,” or, “nice job,” can make someone’s day just a little better. There are also those who we know well, sometimes better than anyone else knows them, and we can still assume wrongly about their thoughts, feelings and emotions. This is why we must strive to maintain our “difference”; let that light shine through to everyone we can, anytime we can.

 

“Be imitators of God…For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”—Ephesians 5:1, 8

 

As Christians, we are called to live a life different than that of the world, with a different attitude than we had before accepting Christ into our lives. We are called to behave appropriately and maturely, as is necessary in each circumstance. While all the things of God are important, He still makes an allowance for fun and joking; letting us get “goofy”; but we are not to allow that attitude to consume us or lead to anything sinful. Though the fun may not be the sin itself, unchecked, it could lead us there. In the fifth chapter of Ephesians, God warns us about our lifestyles:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” –Ephesians 5:15, 17

            The first twenty-one verses of this chapter could almost be summarized as God saying, “Watch yourself!” (See Ephesians 5:1-21)

            In the light of the Lord, everything becomes visible; every lie; every theft; every impure thought; every selfish motive. This is a part of the reason God beckons us to become children of light, and avoid dark, fruitless works. He even declares it shameful to mention such a thing (Eph. 5:12). So instead these things are exposed, and should be traded in for the work of the Lord, done as a child of His wonderful light.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Colossians 3:12-15

           

God wants us to grow up more mature in Him. God has called us to straighten up, stop acting as a child, end foolishness, and to get real! That’s a loose translation, but it is what the Lord desires. And what is real? What is truth? Jesus. Jesus said:

 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6

 

Knowing these things, try, then, to discern God’s will and desires regarding your life. Here’s a clue: it isn’t immaturity, immorality, ignorance or drunkenness. And this is only covering one chapter of one book of the entire Bible, Ephesians 5.

God tells us to be thankful (Colossians 3:15; Hebrews12:28 ). Let us not forget or neglect to thank God daily in our prayers. We have much to thank Him for. But thankfulness should be all inclusive. We should thank the waiter at the restaurant, the cashier at the grocery store, and don’t forget the “thank you” wave when someone lets you into traffic. These simple things can and do make a difference in a person’s day. Even in your greetings: “God bless you,” “Have a great day,” “Nice to see you.” Others should be able to see that “thing” that sets you apart, as you remember to live and walk as a child of light.

So what happens when you get a negative response? Answer: Continue in kindness, mercy and maturity, while remembering to pray for those who persecute you, even in small ways. Romans 10:20-21 states:

 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; … overcome evil with good.”

 

Enemy could mean a rival, opposing soldier, or even the enemy, Satan, who does have a hold on so many. If we feed them, either with God’s Word, or literally, with food, we show selflessness, compassion and mercy. We then have a chance to drive Satan away from our brothers, from the lost, from all of God’s children. They have an opportunity for change, beginning with a single act of kindness. We can overcome evil with good.

Also from Romans chapter twelve, we are told in verse 18 to do whatever we can to live at peace with all. All includes: family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, neighbors, strangers, enemies, and the list goes on. No one is exempt from “all”.

That’s a tall order for us. If there has been no such opportunity to make peace with someone, it becomes our duty as a Christian to make one. But just as our consecration is a process, so also can be making peace. It is unlikely that an enemy of years will become a best friend overnight, though by God’s grace and power it is possible.

Pastor Daniel Greenwell once said, “Be content with modest gain in relationships.” (Pastor Daniel Greenwell, South Side Christian Church, Milwaukee, WI) Gain doesn’t need to be minute by minute, but can you say that this week is better than last week? Or, this month is better than last? Some relationships have so much damage, that they can only be measured by a yearly success.

God and Son are one in harmony. He desires the body of Christ to be this way, too. A lot of people are disconnected. Not only with others, but themselves as well. They don’t have a realistic grasp on their own situations; thereby they can’t connect with others around them. How do you live at peace with others if you aren’t at peace with yourself? Remember that “getting real” is a process. Peace is a process. Consecration is a process.

Is your life perfect today? Of course not. That’s why we continually work toward betterment. Paul writes,

 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already become perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” –Philippians 3:12

 

If you are being proactive, God is pleased. God wants us to move forward. Don’t be sluggish just because things might be difficult. Don’t put things off, but be as positive as you can be. If you let Him, God will take you out of the low times, and higher than you’ve been before. Don’t sweep the junk under the rug, shake the rug out!

 

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” –James 4:7-10

 

If you submit to God, He is in control. If God is in control, let Him work! As the saying goes, “If God is your co-pilot, swap seats.” God should be the pilot of your life. We have no real cause for worry. With the world as it is today, with instant messaging, texting, drive through pharmacies, fast food, etc, we tend to become upset if anything appears to have an uncertain, detained, or negative outcome. Is this you? If so, what are you so worried about? Isn’t God in control? Let God be the boss and He will not let you become cornered. Not only that, but a “job” with God Almighty as your boss has great, unparalleled benefits! He will command a blessing when we let Him do His will. Remember,

 

 “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” –Matthew 6:10

 

This does not excuse us to say, “Whatever I’m doing must be the Lord’s will.” If you steal for a living, this isn’t to say that God wants you there. Even in good things, He might have another will. The successful doctor helping hundreds feel better might not be doing what God had planned. What if God wanted that doctor to be a pastor, helping thousands live better, or a lawyer who helped to bring the gospel back to the courtrooms, or other possibilities? Help hundreds feel better, or help thousands live better? If we aren’t completely, wholly and undeniably submissive to God, we will never know His will for us.

God’s will is quite often ignored. The Bible tells us that the Lord’s will is that all be saved and that none would perish (1 Timothy 2:3-5). Sadly, that isn’t happening. As humans, we have a choice, our own free will, and we can still blow it. We can lose the greatest gift ever offered; all because we choose to ignore our Father’s will.

Verses seven and eight (of James chapter four, above) tell us to submit, and draw near, then God will draw near to us. Sound’s like He’s really on our side. And with God backing us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? Submit to God, draw near to Him, and commit yourself to prayer in faith and no one can be against you. When you pray, you are in communication with God; a conversation. That conversation, like any other, is two-way not just one- way. What God does, we are to imitate; God calls us to a task, we are to respond. When we draw near to Him, we have His word that He will draw near to us; and when we pray in faith, God responds to us. Our entire relationship with the Father is two-way, and He has taken the initiative since we drew our first breath.

We know that God has more for us. I present a challenge: If you aren’t praying much, pray. If you aren’t praying enough, pray more. When you’ve said all your thanks and praise and you’ve made your requests to God, instead of just finishing off the conversation with a quick “Amen”, be still and silent for a moment and listen, still in conversation with God. Listen in your heart. This may help, because as you say, “Your will be done,” He may say, “Be still so I can tell you my will.” You have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as hard as you talk. God has something to say to you.