How does Christian living look like? How are we supposed to spend the rest of our lives when Christ lives in our hearts? The Bible gives us some guidance:

As a result, they don’t live the rest of their human lives in ways determined by human desires but in ways determined by God’s will. (1 Peter 4: 2, CEB, emphasis mine)

Aha. We should look for God’s will for our lives. How do we do that?

Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. (Romans 12:2, CEB, emphasis mine)

We can’t figure out what God’s will is for us by doing what we used to do. We can’t be conformed to the patterns of this world. We need to seek God instead. We need to let God lead our lives. Here’s what Jesus tells us:

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? (Luke 9:23-26, MSG)

We need to surrender our driver’s licenses, our wills, to God. We are to let God be the boss. It might seem very hard but the benefits are out of this world. Jesus has promised to guide us. God has a perfect plan for you.

Okay. So. We are called to follow Jesus and live in God’s will. What does it mean?
It’s more than making right decisions. It’s a calling to become the person God has created you to be. That’s a lifetime commitment. We do have a choice in doing God’s will, we are not puppets. God’s will for us is to respond to God’s invitation for life and more life.

Jesus tells us“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” (Luke 12:29-32, MSG)

What living in God’s will does NOT mean? God’s will is not a To Do -list. It would be easy to get a fax from heaven each morning but that’s not how it works. God’s will is not like a detailed grocery list. We are to make our own decisions and tie our own shoe laces.

Knowing God’s will is not a technique we learn, it is a a way of life we choose. Yes, there are things we can learn and the next three posts will try to do just that. This week’s blog posts are to help you on your journey of discernment and discovery. Let’s find out what it means to “Live well, Live wisely, live humbly! (James 3:13, MSG)

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for calling us back to you.
Thank you for having a will for us.
Thank you that we have freedom to choose.
Thank you that you will help us to live in your will.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What are your questions about God’s will?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you continue on your quest for God’s will in your life!

Giving thanks today for
#381 God’s good will toward us
#382 By doing God’s will we find our true selves.
#383 God’s presence 24/7
#384 freedom to choose
#385 God’s help to live in his will
#386 we are not puppets
#387 God’s will is what’s best for us
#388 God wants to bless us
#389 the benefits for living in God’s will are out of this world
#390 God will enable us to live in his will

Image courtesy of Travis Silva. Some parts of this post have been previously published 4/2010. Linking up today with Sharing His Beauty & Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday &