Obedience to God’s Will

By Willa Johnson

Years ago we played a get-acquainted game. While sitting in a circle, the first person introduced himself with an adjective that began with the same letter as his first name. (Cheerful Charlie) The next person had to repeat that name and then give an example of his own. It was fun, and made it easier to remember names. When it came my turn, I used the adjective “Willful” and heard several “Amens!”

When I was 35 years old we learned our only child had developed some kind of a heart problem and I turned completely to God, deciding he was right all the time. My peace of mind came when I prayed, “Thy will be done, and God, whatever that is, help us accept it.”

People have said, “Well, how can I know God’s will?” The best way is to read the Bible, which is his inspired instruction book. I’m guilty of trying to put something together without checking the instructions. I usually go back to, “When all else fails, read the instructions.” Works every time!

The Bible is filled with directions on how to live in accordance to God’s Will. Although I advocate church attendance and listening to the Word in song, prayer and preaching, I also believe that people have come to know Christ just by reading his Word.

“But it’s so hard to understand,” some say and give up. I doubt if there has ever been or ever will be any human who fully understands all the wisdom in the Bible. But, there is enough that is very simple and easy to comprehend. Besides verses which tell us how much God loves us (John 3:16-17), the Bible gives guidance for what not to do such as what we read in I Thessalonians 4:3-8: It is God’s will that you should be holy; that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

Think about it. Every type of entertainment today ignores those words.

Now, I’ve given up the adjective “Willful” for “Willing.” I want to be a servant wanting to do God’s Will.

Willa Johnson writes from Phoenix, Oregon. wjhat@ccountry.com