Doing the Will of God

By Mark Bird

As Christians, we want to do what is right. Many times it seems difficult to know what is right. We can know what is right if we let the Bible be our guide. In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul wrote, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We can know the will of God.

In order to help us know the will of God concerning our conduct, consider these questions:

IS IT CONDEMNED IN ANY PASSAGE? The Bible is not a giant book of rules telling us, “Do not do this, do not do that.” However, there are passages that plainly teach that some things are wrong. As Christians, we are not to do the things the Bible condemns. Read Galatians 5:19-21. In this passage we find a list of “the works of the flesh.” They are attitudes and actions that are wrong. We should, with God’s help and the help of Christian brothers, change the wrong that is in our life. Verse 21 tells us “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

WILL IT HARM MY BODY? The New Testament tells us that our body is very important. Romans 12:1 tells us that it is with our bodies that we worship and do service to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that the Holy Spirit is in each Christian. A Christian’s body is important because deity dwells in it. Christian, take care of your body; it belongs to God. His Son Jesus bought you. The price He paid for you was His own life. Do not harm your body, but take care of it. Use your body to glorify God.

WILL IT HINDER MY INFLUENCE? Every person has influence. Some people have good influence and some bad. Many times we influence those around us, and we do not even know it. We, as Christians, are like lights shining in a dark lost world. Read Philippians 2:14-15 and Matthew 5:13-16. Do and say only what will influence others for good.

IS THERE ANY DOUBT? Sometimes we are not sure if we should do a certain thing. We have doubts in our minds. Read Romans 14:23. If we are not sure a thing is right, we should not do it. This means we must use our conscience. It is very important that our conscience has been taught and trained by what the Bible says. Always try to have the approval of your conscience.

WILL IT PLACE ME IN BAD COMPANY? Just as we can influence others, others can influence us. Be careful whom you choose as friends and associates. Read 1 Corinthians 15:33, and do not be deceived.

WOULD JESUS GO THERE? We are to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Read 1 Peter 2:21. Do you think Jesus would go there? If Jesus would not go there, we should not go there. Jesus is our perfect example.

WOULD I WANT TO BE DOING THAT WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN? Jesus is coming again. We must always be ready. We do not know when He is coming. What will you be doing when He comes again? Read about the unfaithful servant in Luke 12:41-48.

These questions are to help each of us know and do God’s will. Perhaps you can think of other questions to help us do what is right. God bless you in your study.