Don’t Be in the Dark!
Today’s Verse:
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. ~Ephesians 5:17
Perhaps the greatest question in the minds of most believers is, “What is God’s will for my life or in a certain matter?” God’s will refers to God’s plan for every area of life. It is what I call God’s best for you. God has a perfect will for every Christian. God desires that we do His will. Jesus taught us to pray, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” In His model prayer, He taught us to pray, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” When it comes to God’s will, God simply desires that we say, “Will do.” Paul exhorts us not to be ignorant or unwise, but understanding God’s will for our life.
We see God’s will as FOLLOWERS.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” The one outstanding trait that should be most evident about a child of God is the love of God. We live in a world filled with hatred, disillusionment, disrespect, and skepticism. We tend to be standoffish, skeptical, and distanced when it comes to people. However, when we practice loving people like Jesus, we are able to give, be patient, and make sacrifices. Instead of waiting to be loved, we are called upon to be lovely, lovable, and loving. God’s will is that we walk in love.
We see God’s will concerning our FILLING.
The Holy Spirit indwells us at the moment of our conversion. His presence demands that He is the One that is controlling, and not casual. The Ephesian believers were accustomed to seeing people under the influence of alcoholic beverages. In those days, drunkenness was the norm, and not the exception. Being under the control of wine made a person do and say things that indicated they were under a controlling substance. Using this as an analogy, Paul commanded that we be filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is when we “drink” of His presence through His Word, prayer, and a personal surrender that we are under the control of His power. The Spirit’s filling gives power, insight, and ability that we would otherwise lack for service and fruitfulness. God’s will is that we be filled with the Spirit.
We see God’s will for our FAMILY.
God’s will is that we have happy, functional, and fulfilling families. This requires that we understand our roles as spouses, parents, and children. As spouses, married people are to be compatible companions, and not combative competitors. Wives must be submissive, encourage, and follow the leading of their husbands. Husbands must lead through sacrificial and longsuffering love. A happy marriage is where the two strong wills become one. A healthy marriage is where love is the chemistry that pulls together spouses, in spite of disagreements. A happy and healthy marriage is devoid of selfishness, controlling dictates, family interferences, and secret agendas. A happy home also entails parenting that is loving, character-building, disciplining, and Christ-centered. God’s will for our families is for its unity, oneness, and fulfillment.
We see God’s will against our FOES.
In Eph. 6:10-18, Paul encourages us concerning our ongoing war with Satan and his legions of demons. God’s will is that we are strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. God’s will is that we put on the whole armor of God. God’s will is that we are on our knees, praying with all prayer and supplication for all saints. God’s will is that we pray for the gospel to get into restricted-access nations. God’s will is that we stand, and after having done all, to stand.
Don’t be in the dark; be wise, and understand God’s will for your life.
Have a prudent God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 22-24