Determining the will of God
“2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12
Often we are confronted with big decisions…decisions that will change the course of lives. In the passage above it seems our ability to discern God’s choice depends upon whether or not our minds have been renewed, which in turn transforms us.
When at these crossroads of life it is not only important to make sure we have been transformed, but it becomes equally important to discern if others, who will volunteer wisdom or who may even have a voice in the decision, have been and are being transformed by renewed minds.
When receiving wisdom or advice this should be my first question, “Is the wisdom being spoken from someone I perceive as being in the midst of transformation?” If the answer is no, then the wisdom must be set aside.
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You make some good points Rob. Sometimes I wonder if we just can’t see the answer for ourselves, and are forced to rely on the leadership of others? For example, in a relationship–could I be actively seeking and pursuing God’s will, and just not be on the same page as my partner who is doing the same?
Many times I think that little voice in our head is Jesus, I just have a hard time listening.
Great question. Answer may seem like a copout, but scripture points to the fact that Jesus, mysteriously, is living inside of us. So, my answer is it’s Jesus.
If two people are on a different page then committing to prayer, fasting and Bible should eventually harmonize the opinions, or correct one or both.
Point is that if it’s God’s will then there’s only one will, and it will stand the test of the full testimony of scripture. However if one doesn’t hold a high regard for scripture, then I doubt you can trust their opinion on the will of God. If every party seeks, then they will find scripture to confirm.
Rob, how to we know? Gut feeling? Conscience?
What if both people are acting on what they think is God’s will?