God’s Will Is a Highway

Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? He has told you men what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:7b-8 HCSB

A young man knelt sobbing in front of the altar. His face was red and his eyes were swollen from the long time he’d been kneeling there. He was wringing his hands and crying out before God when an elder of the church happened into the sanctuary. Disturbed by the young man’s apparent pain, the elder approached and asked if he could help.

The young man fell into a sitting position with his head on his knees and his arms wrapped around his legs. He asked, “Sir! What is God’s will? How can I recognize it? I’m so confused by my own sinful drives that I’m afraid I’m missing God’s will.”

This poor young man had gotten into this sorry emotional state because he misunderstood God’s ways. He had developed a view of God’s will as being some nearly impossible thing to attain. Like many people, he believed that there are three circles on the target of God’s will. The truly spiritual hit the smaller “perfect” will while the others get the “good” and the “acceptable” will. However, the truth is that Hashem’s will is all three.[1]

God’s will is hardy. It is broad. It is a highway, not a tightrope. Peter told Ananias that his property was his to sell or not sell as he wished. Even after he had sold it, the money was still his to do with as he pleased.[2] Paul admonished those who felt they should not eat meat, to not go against their conscience. Those who felt compelled to eat higher on the food chain were told to do so without looking down their noses at their vegetarian brothers. The vegans were also cautioned to exercise some compassionate understanding toward their more carnivorous brothers.[3]

God does not tell us, “I want you to marry a five foot six, brunette with hazel eyes”, but “I want you to marry a Believer.” He does not tell us “eat peas and carrots tonight” but to take care of our bodies.

As long as we follow the broad rules, it is up to us which lane to drive in and how fast or slow to drive. We can choose to drive alone in a corvette or choose a partner to team drive an eighteen wheeler.

Over all, God’s will can be easily recognized in any given situation. Simply ask the following two questions: First, “Will this make me holy?” That is our purpose – to be holy and without fault.[4]

Second, “Will this make me happy?” God wants you to be happy.[5] However, we need to remember that our happiness is inextricably tied to our obedience.

[1] Romans 12:1-2
[2] Acts 5:3-4
[3] Romans 14:1-4
[4] Ephesians 1:4
[5] John 15:9-11