Doing the Will of God

So, how do you figure out the will of God? How do you decide what He wants you to do? There are two problems that people can fall into (and have).

The first is not to even think about this. The assumption is that as long as there are some basic religious activities (think: Bible reading or prayer or going to church) then what we do is pretty much up to us. To be sure, some are more careful not to do anything actually prohibited. So, robbing banks is out. But apart from those sorts of things, the rest is up to us.

The ditch on the opposite side of the road is to think that God has decided everything that you are to do, down to which socks to use today. And so, there is this paralyzing terror that you might get His will wrong and then forever be stuck in 'Plan B'. You've missed out on God's best. Too bad for you.

Well, someone from way back in the history of the Church has some wisdom for us. St. Augustine wrote, 'Love God and do whatever you please.' To my mind, the way that that works out goes something like this. Work on loving God. That's a lifelong process, but one where we can expect real progress. Loving God is all about cherishing Him, developing deep affection for Him, wanting to see His fame spread. While that's in process the question to ask when making some decision will go something like this. 'What would I like to do when it comes to this decision?' Think about that option and make sure that it isn't an obviously bad idea. And then, do it.

Don't stress. Yes, you need to pray, read your Bible and get to church. Those are the ways you come to see more clearly what loving God is all about. And yes, you'll make mistakes as you learn how to do this. But don't stress even about that. Your mistakes won't change God's opinion of you. His love is the only true constant of this universe. 

But still, what would you like to do? God isn't an ogre, and pursuing His will isn't a game where He keeps you guessing.

Love God and do whatever you please.