Not My Will...

We live in a time where there are about as many versions of faith as there are people. We seemed to have created God into our image. That is never a good place to be. I have seen so many that are solid, faithful people of God that seem to change their theology based on their circumstances. Instead of seeking God and asking Him how I or we can get back to where He has called us to be, we change the rules. What was unshakable, we now have found a way to justify. I ran across a great quote from George Muller, “If the Holy Spirit guides us, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.” The claim that I need to accept someone because that is the way they were created completely denies God’s word. We have all been born with tendencies that are out of tune with God. That is called sin. There are those that are kleptomaniacs that say they can’t help themselves and yet you and I would never give them freedom to take whatever they want. They need to find a way to control that urge. We have been created with a leaning toward sexual sin. How do I know? Scripture is filled with warnings about sexual immorality, which would not be necessary if we don’t struggle with it. Good upbringing, satisfaction in relationships with other, confidence in our own identity, and faith can go a long way to right living. The point is, no one can claim that they are free to live a life out of line with God’s word because they were born that way. That is the very reason that Jesus died on the cross. This is also why the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12 that we to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”. We are to submit ourselves fully to God. He goes on to say that we must keep ourselves separate from the world. Through faith, submission, and obedience to His word, the Holy Spirit will transform us by renewing our mind, strengthening our faith, and revealing His will to us. We are not to make God’s word more palatable, but rather, through the working of the Holy Spirit, obedience to His word will be our greatest goal and desire. When using my phone gps, I would never ignore a warning that a bridge is out up ahead. Why do I think it is any wiser to not follow God’s word faithfully? Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. Reveal Your will and desire to us each day. Amen