How Will Your Will Match God's Will?

We just read the Apostle’s Creed. It was written in the 4th Century by a Council in Milan as an early statement of Christian belief. It is read regularly in some congregations.

However, I found a statement of belief that may fit how we truly believe based on our actions.

From Rick Gillespie-Mobley’s Sermon: Let’s Be Honest About What We Believe

“Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be if we had to stand up and say what we believe based on our game plan for life.

I believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth who is not worthy of me making two hours of week in my schedule to pray or talk to and to attend church. I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, who has no right to tell me how to live my life after I get out of church.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, but he should not expect me to make any kind of similar sacrifice on His behalf. I will tell off whom I want to tell off, and I will give when I feel like giving. If I do not want to do my part, then others just have to take up the slack for me whether they want to or not.

He sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from which he shall come to judge the living and the dead, with me being the exception because He knows my heart. I intend to one-day get serious about serving God, but until then he should not judge me. When I prefer gossip over sharing the word of God, that’s my business.”

The statement “what we believe based on our game plan for life” caused me to stop for a moment and think about my game plan for life. To me the term “game plan” seems like a sports term. Every team in every sport must have a game plan. A game plan is designed to lay out a strategy that will lead to winning the game. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

How do we develop the game plan that will insure that we win? Reality is every participant in every sport needs a trainer and a manager. The same is true in our spiritual race. We need a trainer and a manager that knows what is necessary for us to win.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.”--- (Jeremiah 29:11) God knows how to make us winners. However, we are responsible for listening to his instructions. To be winners we must follow his will.

Reality is we have been chasing his will for years. We ask questions like “Is it God’s will for me to marry; to switch jobs; to move; to leave?” We desire for God to be a fortuneteller, showing us our future so that we will not walk in error. But if He did that, it would minimize our need for him. God is not a fortuneteller but He has disclosed his will for our lives in his word.

Before we begin our search for God’s will, let us first understand what the word “will” means. The Greek has two meanings; a decision, a desire. This word is used 53 times in the New Testament in reference to God’s will.

God’s will is often a decision. Paul stated his desire to visit the believers in Rome but he understood that it would be God’s decision. Five times Paul introduced himself as an apostle chosen by God’s decision. Jesus stated that it was God’s decision for him to take on the form of man. It was God’s decision to hear the prayers of those who worship him and do, as He desires. It was God’s decision that his Son would die on the cross at Calvary. We cannot control God’s will as it is presented as his decision.

However, God’s game plan for our lives is based on his will for us in the form of his desires. Knowing God’s will for our lives is knowing God’s desires for our lives and acting accordingly. Therefore our first question must be; “How do I discover God’s desire for my life?”

Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

There are three actions we must take to discover God’s desire for our lives. First, we have to stop being a copy of the world and be a reflection of Jesus. We have to be different. Paul instructed us to “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you.” (Ephesians 5:3-5) “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:9-21) Living this lifestyle will set us apart from the customs and behavior of the world.