I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12: 1, 2
In a few more days, the most awaited event in Canadian and British Columbian history, The Olympic Winter Games, will begin. Already the Olympic torch is in the Lower Mainland, making its way through Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, and will ultimately light up the cauldron at BC Place, in Vancouver to kick off the events.
The will of the people is that the Canadian athletes will triumph and end up at the podium holding aloft their gold medals amid the strains of our national anthem, “O Canada”. Already, the torch carried by runners from across Canada, had lit up the flame at Whistler, another venue for the Games.
Unfortunately, not all Canadians are in tune with the spirit of the Olympics, and up to this time the so-called “protesters” are trying to stop the games from being held in British Columbia. They should have done their work 7 years ago the when International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Vancouver won the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Last night, this writer was on hand to see the torch at the Holland Park in Surrey We were there last night with 20,000 other Surreyites to enjoy the event. It is true that there will be debt to pay after, but then there are also upsides to the games. By the way, when you get this, it will probably be Valentines Day, so Happy Valentines Day to all.
Now back to God’s will. Aside from saving us, He also wants us to be healthy, wealthy, and wise. Now for the last steps in knowing the will of God, read on.
GLORIFY GOD AND DON’T BE SELFISH
“Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10: 31. When you are seeking after God’s will, make sure you avoid options that don’t glorify Him. If one of your options is going to harm His kingdom, then it is the wrong option. See Matthew 6: 33.
In every decision, ask, “Lord, is this going to reach more people for you? What will make the biggest impact for your kingdom?” This is a vital factor in your decision process. It is part of loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And much like considering God’s glory in your decisions, we need to remember the effect it will have on our neighbors –whether that’s our spouse, parents, children or whoever. “None of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.” Romans 14:7.
I am always saddened when I hear people trying to make a decision about their life, and all they’re saying is, “What is this going to mean to me?” Instead, they need to be thinking of their families and how their decision is going to affect those around them. Galatians 5: 14 says, “All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You should love your neighbor as your self.” It is a sign of true conversion when one isn’t always saying, “What’s in it for me?”
BE FAITHFUL AND PATIENT
“We count them happy which endure. You have heard about the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the; that Lord that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 4: 11. In deciding the will of God, you must be patient.
Sometimes we become restless and want to do just about anything but keep guessing what we should do. We want to act sooner than later, but sometimes God wants you to wait. Believe me, you’re better off waiting for God’s will having the right job, the right spouse, or the right school than rushing ahead of the Lord and having the wrong job, the wrong spouse, or the wrong school. You’re going to be miserable if you aren’t patient.In fact, apparent delays could mean that rather than you picking an option, God’s will is coming to you special delivery. You just need to stay where you are and watch what happens. God could be saying, “Stay right there. I’m going to change everything without you doing any thing.” Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3: 23. But while you’re waiting patiently for new directions, continue to do the work at hand with all your heart. Many fail to fulfill the present will of God for their lives because they are too busy longing for something different.
TALLY THE EVIDENCE
“In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 Corinthians 13:1. When you first turn on a GPS device, it can’t tell you immediately your location or which way you need to go. You need to wait a minute as the device begind to acquire satellites. But you’ll notice that it will often say, “awaiting more satellites” or “awaiting better accuracy” even though it has already given you a path to go. As it picks up another satellite, it will give you more accurate directions because it has triangulated your position. It should work that way when you are trying to discover God’s will. We’ve looked at a number of Biblical criteria of how you can determine God’s will in any aspect of your life. Sometimes you are going to need a number of these criteria to overlap, to “triangulate” before you can truly see where God is pointing you.
Make a list. Ask yourself, “What does God’s Word say?” If the answer isn’t as obvious as you think you need, as What do my counselors say?” and which one of my choices truly glorify God?” Keep tallying the results until you have a decision you can stand on firmly.
THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD
“Romans 12: 2 says, “ Be not conformed to this world but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Many otherwise faithful Christians are finding themselves doing the imperfect will of God . They are restless and unhappy. As a result, they aren’t being the consistent witness God knows they could be.
“Even though we’re separated from God because of sin, He has given us a way to discover His will— and the power to do it. Eventually, everyone in heaven will be doing the perfect will of God. If we want to be there, we must start practicing here right now!
“Is your life off track? Are you struggling to make the right decision? Are you afraid of where God might lead you—out of your comfort zone and into a strange land? Remember always that God doesn’t want what’s worst for you; He wants what’s the best for you. You’ve God to trust Him that in the end, you’ll always be happier being in the middle of His will. Be pliable clay in the Potter’s hands and keep calibrating. Not only will you have joy in heaven; you’ll have it right here on earth.” Amen
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