Knowing and Doing

I must confess, understanding man’s will is much more difficult for me than apprehending God’s will. As to the former, Paul tells us, although he had the will to do something, he was impotent in the performance of it. Yet, in another place, he speaks of a man who had power over his own will. He also mentions doing God’s will willingly, but then adds, doing it against his will. Mystery of mysteries!

But not so with God’s will. The apostle tells us in Acts that God chose him“that thou shouldest know His will.”  It is just plain common sense, how can we intelligently do the will of God unless it is made known to us? God’s will must be known if it is to be done! But as the little adage goes, “Knowing is one thing; doing is another.” Balaam knew God’s will but didn’t do it as originally presented to him.

Many in our churches today say they desire to know God’s will. But few there are who will do it once it is shown. And why is this? Because the will of God is always bigger than we planned for. Jesus said, “I delight to do thy will, O my God,” even when it meant a cross. He, truly, “Did God’s will from the heart.” Our problem, as Spurgeon says is that we play with sacred things.

God told His people of old the reason He did not bless them was “because ye do not lay it to heart.” The will of God is a serious matter, it cost His dear Son His last drop of blood. Again, to quote that Prince of Preachers, “It will not give any man in heaven even a moment's joy to think that he gratified himself while here”...”Oh, brothers, let us live as we shall wish we had lived when life is over.”

Do you seriously want to know and do God’s will? Then follow the instructions in Romans chapter twelve, verses one and two.