We are fairly certain we know what we want.
Accordingly, we attempt to array our thoughts and actions to achieve our aforementioned desires. When we achieve those desires we correlate that achievement with proper living and subscription to God’s will. Ultimately, we presuppose that all progress is both positive and God-willed.
But is that truly the case? Have we succeeded because God wanted us to or because we wanted us to? Is it possible to achieve things outside God’s will for our lives? Is there anything wrong with that?
“And since they’re so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they’re banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.”
Here Paul reveals that God will turn us over to ourselves at times. That we can venture from his will for our lives. And that refusal to submit to his will doesn’t necessarily lead to what the world would classify as failure, but surely leads to separation from God and emptiness.
The problem I have understanding this concept lies in my perspective. For reciprocity, one of the chief principles of human life, would dictate that those who follow God’s will would succeed, while those who don’t fail. Accordingly, witnessing someone clearly amoral succeed in business creates doubts. I am reminded however in my study that the principle itself holds true, just not on the timeline our finite minds anticipate.
So are you really living according to God’s will, or have you opted for your own desires hoping God will get on board? I encourage us all to take a close examination of our lives and ensure the intentionality with which we live is focused on His glory and not our own.