What college should I go to? Should I marry Bill? Should I take the job in Delaware? Decisions can be so confusing and we as Christians often struggle with making good decisions in light of God’s will. Does God want me to marry Bill? How do I know?
I happen to be pretty opinionated when it comes to God’s will. I think a lot of people over-spiritualize God’s will. Here are three traps to watch out for when it comes to discerning God’s will in your life.
GIMME A SIGN
When I was in high school my church was struck by lighting and burned to the ground. No joke. That actually happened. I’ll never forget standing in the parking lot watching the inferno. The blaze was so compelling that my friends and I actually abandoned a Red Wings playoff game to witness the destruction.
Hardly anyone would say that God was mad at my church and therefore smote it. And yet, many people try to interpret the circumstances of their life in this way. “I opened my Bible and saw the word marriage. That means I should marry Bill.” Nope. The last time I remember hearing about God speaking to people this way a dude was running around in camel clothes and eating bugs. I’m not saying God doesn’t speak that way anymore but I think it is a little dangerous to make major decisions based on signs.
DON’T MUDDY THE WATERS
Here’s the thing, God already gave us His Will. It’s called the Bible. In the pages of scripture God has already laid out the answer to most of life’s questions.
“Should I marry Bill?”
“Is he a follower of Jesus?”
“Uh…not exactly.”
“Nope.”
One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was this: “Don’t try to make unclear what has already been made clear.” If you really are interested in living out God’s will then study God’s letter to you because the answers to most of your questions have already been clarified.
Going Solo
Most bad decisions are often made in a vacuum. If your parents, friends and small group all think marrying Bill is a bad idea…it’s probably a bad idea.
God exists in community—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God created us to reflect His nature. We as humans reflect God best when we live in community.
Jesus left us with the Spirit and the Church. The word church literally means assembly or gathering. We, as humans are simply better when we submit to community. We were designed for it.
Your family, friends and Jesus community know you. They can see your blind spots. If they don’t think marrying Bill is a good idea, you should listen to them. Together as a community we uncover what God’s will is. Attempting to do this alone is dangerous.
So, that’s my opinion on understanding God’s will. You don’t have to agree with me but I’d love to hear your thoughts on these ideas. Oh, and sorry if your name is Bill.
