Connect360: How Can I Know God’s Will?

• Lesson 11 in the Connect360 unit “The Immeasurable Love of Christ” focuses on Ephesians 5:17-18.

Paul showed us there are two ways we can live, wisely or foolishly. God’s will is for us to live a life of wisdom by being filled with the Spirit, but this world offers so many opportunities to go in the opposite direction.

The intentionality of our walk helps us choose which path we will take. We cannot overlook all the influences, and the fact that it seems as if there are so many more people in our culture who are proud of living foolishly than living wisely for Christ. Social media and podcast culture emphasize the humanistic and individualistic overtone of our society, which glorifies what makes the self happy and not what pleases God.

Even some Christians seek a god that serves them and makes their life better through what they can acquire in this life rather than God who is calling for their radical transformation into his image through the act of his radical love.

While it is easy to point the finger at those who get caught in the tide of culture, it may be more helpful for us as Christians to engage lovingly our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling to discern God’s will for their lives. As we all work to lovingly engage the world to learn of God’s will, we must remember there is a broad gate that leads to destruction but a narrow gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14).

Passivity does not lead to an effective and impactful Christian life. We must be intentional about the way we live and pay close attention to where we go, what we say, what we do, and who we are around in order for us to avoid the traps of drunken or foolish living.

Yes, the days are evil. Culture makes it seem more enticing to consider our own desires above God’s, but Scripture shows us that a life in God’s will is one full of songs, worship, thanksgiving and submission to one another. So let us pray for God’s will and let us sing to and serve God and one another as we posture our lives in thanksgiving to God for all his blessings.

The immeasurable love of Christ gives us access to wisdom and love. We do not have to walk in darkness and foolishness, following after the things of the world that only seek to bring us fleeting pleasures, which set us up for eternal death. Christ’s love disciplines our hearts and minds to want what God wants and walk the road less traveled, experiencing the joy of eternal life with the Father.

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