“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
There is a debate that has been waged among groups ranging from the scientific and academic communities all the way to friends, neighbors and co-workers. That debate involves this question: “Does a Creator really exist?”
This represents more than just a theoretical discussion, for the acknowledgement of a Creator carries profound implications. Perhaps the most important implication involves an obligation to live in a manner that is consistent with the Creator’s purpose for our lives. This is often sufficient to provoke a negative response from those who would prefer to live as if a Creator did not exist or avoid the nagging suspicion that we might eventually have to give an account for our choices in life. (1)
On the other hand, those accept God’s existence eventually come to different question: “What is God’s will for my life?” For some, the answer to that question begins and ends with the peace they feel when deciding upon a course of action. However, “feelings” are a notoriously poor foundation for good decision-making and it is possible to feel peaceful about a decision that is far outside the will of God.
Instead, it is far better to first ensure that we are following God’s will in those areas where His desires are known. As we seek to follow God’s direction in those areas where His will is clearly expressed, we may find His path is clarified in other areas as well.
We find one such area in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where we’re told, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Another is contained within the New Testament epistle of 1 Peter: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15 ESV).
A third example is referenced within the book of the Old Testament prophet Malachi: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Malachi 6:8).
We can look to these Scriptures as “macro directives” concerning God’s will. If we are attending to God’s revealed will in these foundational areas of life, we should be well-positioned to make God-honoring decisions in other areas. We’ll consider some additional declarations of God’s will from the Scriptures next.
(1) See related discussion beginning here