By David ReayWednesday 25 Nov 2020LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
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. (NLT)
It can sometimes be tricky to know exactly what God’s will is for us. Which is a pity. His general and overarching will is that we become more like that perfect human being, Jesus. He wants us to reflect the character of Jesus and so live out the gracious and loving rule of God in his world. Very challenging, but quite clear and plain.
When we try to figure out just what God’s will is for us at any specific time, we run into problems. There are significant choices to be made at times which require much prayer, counsel, and scriptural reflection. Even some out of the ordinary promptings of the Spirit.
But more often than not, God allows us to make our own choices, always reminding us of his overall pattern and plan: mature Christlikeness which honours and embodies his character. Imagine a father urging his children to go out and play in the backyard. He will want them to play safely and not hurt one another, but he won’t dictate what games they play. As long as they are safe and wise he is happy if they are happy.
Perhaps we are in God’s playground. There are limits to our conduct, there are boundaries. But we are generally free to follow our own initiatives rather than anxiously demand the father tells us what to do all the time. Our God is a watchful and caring Father not a meddling micro manager.
Blessings
David