Ok here is more gray area stuff --but read the following post first as it was it was posted prior to this one.
If there is no direct answer in the Bible, how do you know God's Will for the "gray areas" (those things the Scriptures don't address plainly or directly)
This is the idea of "working out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2.12)
Working hard to know God's Word, praying for understanding, asking the Spirit for guidance
Ask yourself "is this really necessary?"
Meditate on Hebrews 12.1; is there "extra weight" involved that could be thrown off?
Based on your decision, will it matter in 2 weeks or two months or in eternity? Will you still be suffering consequences in 2 years or 20 years?
How would Christ respond?
Walk as Jesus would walk; choose, speak and decide the same way the Lord would in your situation (Col 1.10; 1Thess 2.12)
Is it worthy of my epitaph?
Determine how you want your life to end up, will this decision help you reach that result, or hinder you?
Will others be drawn to Christ or turned away?
Will you're family, friends, co-workers and those viewing you're life be drawn closer to Christ or become less interested in God by your decision? It is important for us to make decisions that will make the use of our time to fulfill God's purpose (Col 4.5)
We need to learn that there are many considerations in determining God's will. It's not just about what we desire, or "right and wrong", or what's most advantageous to us. Biblically, our priority of concern flows down three levels in this order: God, others, then us personally (Matt 22.37; Rom 12.10).
We cannot discern God's Will when we get the order wrong,
posted by Todd Paris @ 12:34 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Todd,
What in the world was that? Not the "I am thinking for myself" Todd that I have come to look forward to hearing. Did you simply cut and paste from some website?
The format is impossible to read. I only scanned it b/c it is so ugly. Which part of this discussion did you find most interesting/helpful.
My blog just generated mail from a rabid, I do mean rabid, 5 or 6 point Calvinistic UK Baptist. I didn't think that there was anything there that warranted that rot! :)
Post on,
Mike
Thoughts triggered by your post:
One of the themes of the Purpose Driven Life is "It's not about me". Doing what God wants us to do should focus on God.
Our Desires - Sometimes He gives us our desires because we are obiedient. My focus is usually on what I want.
Hard Work - Where is the formula? I agree that it is hard work to find God's will but rewarding work. Ever notice how after working really hard you feel good about a job that is well done vs.that was easy?
Mike, Yes. Yes thats what I did. lazy i guess. If you want to see it in an easier to read format click on the link at the bottom of the origional post for the website. I found the whole thing helpful thats why I posted the whole thing. I like calvin and hobbes. And I just scan your profile pic everytime so there.
Dad, Thanks for your comment, that is one book that I need to read. Some good points made. I learned way back in football that if we wanted to win we were going to have to work at it. -Todd
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