|
Often have I heard Christians justify a decision on the basis that it's "God's will." Sometimes it may be, but often the unfolding of events proves it otherwise. This confusion could be avoided by a more scriptural understanding of how God guides us. It is not His intention to simply "reveal His will" on every important decision we have to make.
If all we had to do was discover God's will for every decision there would be no need for us to develop our ability to judge, discern and take responsibility. God has given His scriptures to reveal His will for our lives and the Holy Spirit to help us understand the application of biblical principles. By applying the word to our lives we shall grow in wisdom and be able to make choices that are pleasing to the Master.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ…"
Phil 1:9-10 (NIV)
Some don't want to have to think for themselves but just be told what to do. That way they can avoid taking responsibility. It can also be a false spirituality. What is the point of having "knowledge and depth of insight" if you never have to use it? The point of preaching and teaching in the church is not to pamper the Christians and tuck them into a cosy quilt like babies.
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, …prophets, …evangelists, …pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become
mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants…"
Eph 4:11-14 (NIV)
|
|
