Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-11
To do the will of God is simply to do what God wants. A Christian, anxious to do the will of God (v2), is not consumed with selfish desires, but eagerly lives for the desires of God. Jesus said, “I always do what pleases God.” (John 8:29) He taught his disciples to pray, “May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). To do the will of God is the most basic desire of a devoted follower of Christ.
But what is it that God wants from us? What is His will for me? I often hear Christians say that they want to know God’s will for their life. This is an important question to ask, however, while seeking specific guidance for the future, we must not ignore the will of God for our life right now! In the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 14:1-3), we read the story of leaders of Israel who visited the prophet to ask for guidance from God. The Lord told Ezekiel that these leaders had set up idols in their hearts and embraced things that make them fall into sin, and therefore, He would not answer their questions! The same is true today. God wants you to be obedient with what you already know before He shows you the next step. The will of God is not a mysterious, elusive thing, the answer you’re looking for is right here.
God’s will for us is to worship Him today (v3). God is looking for worshipers, who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23), people who celebrate the fact that He is God and they are not. God is a jealous God who will not tolerate affection for any other gods. (Ex. 20:5, Dt. 5:9) Idolatry, in any form, is a serious offense against the one, true God. Are you a worshiper of God, and God alone?
God’s will for us is to pray today (v7). Earnest and disciplined prayer is the catalyst for an intimate relationship with God. Perhaps Peter was thinking about the night before the crucifixion in Gethsemane when Jesus found him sleeping. Remember Jesus’ stinging words to Peter, “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Mt 26:40-41). Are you diligent in prayer?
God’s will for us is to love each other today (v8-9). Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Godly love for Christian brothers and sisters can transcend personality, preferences, and personal interests. We are the family of God, and like a loving Father, His will is for us to love each other. Do you love your Christian family like your own family?
God’s will for us is to serve today (v10-11). The purpose of the church is to help equip believers to serve. Serving is God’s will, no matter where we live or what we’re doing. When you’re tired and busy, serve with all the strength and energy that God supplies. He gave you gifts to serve the church. Are you serving?
If you desire to do the will of God, then start with what you know - worship, prayer, love, and service. This is God’s will for you today. His call to you will become clear, and the questions you have about the future will seem much less urgent as you live today with the peace and confidence of knowing you are doing Gods will. Download - Anxious to Do the Will of God
October 10th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Brothers,
This devotion was a great reminder to me that although at times I question whether or not I am fulfilling my specific purpose in life, God still has a “universal calling” that fits us all and requires daily attention. At our table we discussed two things in particular;
1. Are we actually praying for God to bring someone into our lives every day who needs a touch from Him. Everytime I have done this God has brought someone who needed just that. This leads to the second question…
2. Are we praying for God to make us aware of the people around us so that when He sends someone, we will be able to identify them.
If we are not doing that, then are we really carrying out God’s will (steps 3 & 4) in loving others and serving others?
Thanks, Dave, for an awesome lesson and reminder.
Chuck