Every Thing Really Hurtful

Will_Of_GodHow can I know God’s will for my life? I get that question a lot from Christians. I’m currently working on a book on the subject, but I’m going to give you a sneak peek. I always answer that question with a question. Are you doing right now what you know God wants you to do? The responses, particularly facial expressions if I’m talking directly to them, are varied. Some people get it right away, which then bring different responses. Other people immediately say yes without really thinking it through. So let’s pretend this is your question and now I’ve answered you with my question.

Are you doing right now what you know God wants you to do? King Solomon warned:

    “He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.” (Proverbs 19:16)

So what does this mean? Well, do you place anything or anyone in your life above God? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Are you worshipping idols instead of God? Idols are anything that you overvalue. If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you use the Lord’s name in vain? Using the Lord’s name in vain is using it irreverently, not just as profanity. If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you set aside a holy day to worship God in His house, or is the seventh day just another day? If you answer yes to the second part, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you badmouth your parents, whether they’re living or dead? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you support abortion for any reason? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you look at another person with lust in your heart? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you cheat your boss out of time while you’re on the clock? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you embellish stories or outright lie? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

Do you look upon other people’s possessions and wish they were yours? If yes, then you’re not doing God’s will.

If you take a moment to read Psalm 19:7-10, you’ll see that God places great value on His law. It is perfect, without blemish or error. It gives us wisdom and makes our hearts rejoice. It is pure and enlightens our eyes helping us to see His will. God’s law is more desirable and valuable than pure gold. The reward awaiting those of us who keep God’s commandments is great:

    “Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:11)

Those who do not follow Christ, and sadly some who say they do, believe that living a pure and holy life is one that is boring and restrictive. This is one of the devil’s greatest lies. He knows that if you follow the Lord’s will for your life, then you will be free from the bondage of sin. King David knew as much:

    “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10)

The Levite priest Asaph not only wrote a dozen of the psalms, but he also was a great historian in that he testified to God’s great mercy even in the midst of Israel’s rebellion. In Psalm 78 he writes of how God spared Israel when judgment would have been justified. This testimony of Gods’ mercy was set as an example for Israel’s descendents, including us, and as foreshadowing:

    “That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Psalm 78:7-8)

Commenting on Proverbs 19:16, Matthew Henry writes:

    “If we keep God’s word, God’s word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner.”

So what does God want you to do with your life? First of all, He wants you to be a child of His. He wants you to accept the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ; to repent of your sin and give your heart and life to Christ. God wants you to surrender control of yourself over to Jesus.

Once that is done, God wants you in obedience to follow Jesus in believers’ baptism. It doesn’t matter if you were baptized as a child or did it at some Bible camp. Baptism comes after conversion.

If you are a Christian and have been baptized, then God wants you to follow the commandments He has laid out in His word. They are obvious and do not require a theology degree to discover or obey. Let me finish with asking you another question.

Why would God reveal anything new to you if you are unwilling to do what you already know what He wants you to do?

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2014 David Jeffers

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