Seeking God’s Will
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (CSB)
The apostle Paul desired for the Colossians to know God’s will for their lives. In Colossians 1:9-12, he mentions that he prays for them to understand God's will so they can live in a way that honors the Lord and walks worthily. Before examining these verses, it's helpful to consider the significance of seeking God’s will and to gain insight from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.
The Danger of Conformity. The danger of conforming to human standards lies in a gradual drift away from God's will and ways. This threat arises as worldly influences subtly weaken our passions, convictions, and beliefs. The enemy exploits cultural pressures to gradually steer us away from following the Lord, often without us noticing the change. When we seek to understand and follow God's will, we must consistently resist the tendency to conform to cultural norms.
The Necessity of the Renewing of the Mind. Paul emphasized the importance of renewing the mind to understand God's will. This renewal happens when we surrender our thoughts and thought processes to God’s will and control. It involves letting go of misguided thinking and redefining how we interpret the world around us as we live for Christ. Additionally, renewing the mind shifts our focus, goals, and perspective. This process prepares us for the crucial task of discernment.
The Need to Practice Discernment. Paul urges the Romans to exercise discernment to distinguish God's will from worldly pressures. The world often makes rebellious paths seem attractive and justified. True discernment happens when our minds evaluate information in light of God’s Word and His influence in our lives. It involves viewing situations from the Lord's perspective to determine if the will presented is worldly or divine. Essentially, discernment is the skill to evaluate options and recognize which aligns with God's plan.
The Nature of God’s Will. Paul describes God’s will as both good and perfect. It is good because it originates from the Lord and is beneficial for us. The will reflects His desires, making it inherently good. Additionally, God’s will is perfect—meaning it is entirely suitable for our lives and cannot be improved, as it is exactly what it should be.
QUESTIONS
What challenges does conformity present to the life of the believer?
What steps can you take to help develop a greater ability to discern the will of God from the threats of the world?
