Successful Christian living is predicated upon the knowledge of the will of God for our lives. Apostle Paul writing to the Colossian church said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”(Colossians 1:9, KJV). Once we operate with wisdom and spiritual understanding on his will, we’re able to accomplish our task of discipleship. This article will discuss three principle types of his will concerning humanity, here they are:
1. Direct and Revealed Will of God
These deal with God’s intent as touching people and things which cannot be questioned. They stand so clear that nobody can miss or have any doubt about them. The will of God I list here examples of the direct will of God towards all mankind (a) salvation – God’s mercy and patience has been shown to human persons even in their sinfulness in order to give them the opportunity for repentance.
The scripture says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). This is revealed will of God to all, now whether we respond to it is another matter, God’s position remains regardless (b) sanctification, it’s written “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, KJV), this continual process is accomplished by his word and the working power of the Holy Ghost. Again we read, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God our whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV). There is no mincing of words here, nothing to debate, I suppose, but we should endeavor to believe what has been declared. (c) Healing – this is a part of the atonement. God desires us to be in perfect health and even states clearly that we shouldn’t say we’re sick.
2. Implied Will of God
This is drawn from what we know concerning his direct will. For example, if I give you a ride, there’s no direct will of God touching this particular act. Looking back to the scripture though, we find statements such as, love your neighbor as yourself. In lieu of this, the assistance for the ride is considered acceptable action to God.
3. Permissive Will of God
This is where God allows us to go on with our ways, though he warned us against the sorrow and danger of our decisions and actions. See Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.
There is a gross misunderstanding of this particular one. You don’t pursue a fornication lifestyle or such like, because you feel, God must have supported your actions since there is no immediate consequences. Years ago, a sister came to my office to inform me of a marriage relationship arrangement with an unbeliever. She simply stated before me these words, “I know you’ll not agree with my actions but God hasn’t killed me.” I was stunned and didn’t have a chance to say much when she breezed away. Sad to say years later the marriage ended in anguish and divorce.
The ultimate goal of a true believer should be to seek the will of God for their lives. It’s on this platform that we’ll find and attain peace and contentment in our lives and purpose.