“What does God want me to do?” Seeking God’s will occurs commonly in the questions Christians ask. I respond that the answer to the question is not elusive, but rarely does it suit people.

“Israel, what does the Lord your God want you to do? He wants you to fear him, follow all his directions, love him, and worship him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12 God’s Word).

All right. To fear God involves deep respect, loving connection, as well as what even in modern English we call fear. After all, God judges and the decision has eternal consequences.

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments (Photo credit: bamalibrarylady)

Follow ALL directions, not just the ones our group rates high, or the ones we like. The two directions most commonly ignored by modern Western Christians relate to divided loyalties and abuse of power. “Never have any other god…Never worship them or serve them, because I, the Lord your God, am a God who does not tolerate rivals” (Exodus 20:3-5 God’s Word). What group, building, vocation, hero or product do you actually serve, meaning it affects the decisions you make?

The second major lapse shows up when we judge others. According to Matthew 18:15-17 your criticism must include three steps taken in the right order. Anything else shows an abuse of power rampant among Christians. “If a believer does something wrong, go, confront him when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won back that believer. But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation may be verified by two or three witnesses. If he ignores these witnesses, tell it to the community of believers. If he also ignores the community, deal with him as you would a heathen or a tax collector” (God’s Word).

Another thing God wants demonstrates pure obedience. “Be sure to do everything I command you. Never add anything to it or take anything away from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32 God’s Word). Churches add The Manual, Canon Law, The Book of Forms and constitutions. These often supercede biblical law. Don’t add. And don’t ignore parts you just don’t like or can’t understand or refuse to follow.

Humility

Humility (Photo credit: ToniVC)

Finally, “You mortals, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 God’s Word).

Do right, not just what you can get away with. Taxes, committee work, computer use, respect…

Love mercy. No simple nod. Mercy means the generosity to give people what they need, not what you want to give them.

Live humbly with God. Don’t seek attention from humans. Don’t brag about your skills. Definitely never belittle a child of God. Pride in self never serves God.

So, do all this, and you already obey the will of God for your life. It will even leave you open to the leading of the Spirit (Paraclete) to the details. That’s what God wants. What do you want?