Thoughts on Scripture Part III

Thoughts on Scripture Part III

The Will of God and Our Daily Choices

When we act in accordance with the will of God, does it stand to reason that our every action and choice are a part of God’s larger plan for us?  The spiritual practices of trust, discernment, patience and humility are essential when we resolve that we are fulfilling God’s will.  God reveals His will in relationship.  The story of Joseph as well as those of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Hagar, Esther, Deborah, David, Solomon, Samson, and Josiah fundamentally emerges from the relationship that these biblical characters have with Almighty God.  These heroes and heroines of the faith had the daily challenge of seeking God’s will.  Each morning, they had to “steal away” and receive a fresh revelation.  I doubt very seriously that any of them would say that his or her every choice and action equated with the will of God.

In fact, the Bible tells us otherwise.  David’s escapade with Bathsheba did not fulfill God’s will.  Yet, God redeemed the situation.  Solomon’s love of women eventually undermined his relationship with God such that Solomon tolerated spiritual practices that were abominable in the eyes of God.  Josiah faithfully adheres to the will of God in removing the Asherah poles and other residue of idolatry in the kingdom.  Yet, at the end of his life, Josiah goes to battle without consulting God.  Not surprisingly, Josiah loses his life in the conflict.

Daily, we must remain in constant communication with Almighty God just as we do with our spouses, children, friends and colleagues in order to ascertain the best choices.  On some days, we will operate out of self-centered fear and personal will.  Examining our motives is crucial to fulfilling the will of God in every instance.  What happens when the will of God clashes with our personal will?  What happens when we become afraid that we might not get something that we resolve that we deserve or want very much?  What about the periodic crises of faith in which we fail to trust God to provide for our needs?  The answer to any of the foregoing questions may encourage us to practice the spiritual attribute of self-evaluation.  We must sift our selfish motives in order to more clearly see the will and purposes of God.

Further, I find the notion that our every action equates with the will of God questionable on moral grounds.  Such an uncritical belief erroneously leads one to the fallacy that God sanctions his or her behavior, even when it may be morally dubious.  Furthermore, it allows one to evade accountability for his or her actions and choices.  In regards to the moral matters, the blanket excuse, “God told me to do it,” can become the flip side of “The devil made me do it.”  In both instances, the individual avoids personal responsibility for his or her choices.  We cannot reasonably excuse moral lapses under the aegis of fulfilling the will of God.

I radically believe that Almighty God gives us free choice.  Although, I hasten to add that human choice cannot nullify the direct will and purposes of Almighty God.  Should we choose to disobey God or to fulfill our will instead of His, then He majestically and mysteriously orchestrates our unfortunate choices toward a redemptive purpose, which ultimately fulfills His will.  The clearest biblical example of God’s redemptive orchestration of human infidelity and disobedience is the sacrificial gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, “the One and Only begotten Son of the Father.” 

I admit that there are some factors that are determined within our choices.  Genetics, history, tradition, natural law, etc. demonstrate a reasonable level of determination in life.  Within those parameters, we still have choices to make. 

The ultimate choice that we make is the one to live to the honor and glory of Almighty God and in accordance with the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  Every other choice stems from that fundamental one.  Our use of time, treasure, talent and temperament flows from that significant choice.  Moreover, daily, we must reaffirm the choice to love God by obeying His commands and seeking His will.  In order to have our every action be a part of His larger plan, we must faithfully seek revelation of His will.

Interestingly, God desires that our every action cohere with His will and plan.  In the immortal twenty-third psalm, David reminds us that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Out of His character of love, goodness and holiness, Almighty God wants us to choose the actions that lead us toward right relationship with Him.  On a daily basis, if we communicate consistently and willingly yield our wills to His, then He will direct us toward the very actions that accomplish His larger will in our lives.