The Bible, a collection of sacred texts revered by Christians, provides extensive guidance on the concept of "will." It explores the interplay between divine will and human will, examining how these forces shape our lives and the world around us. From the creation narrative to the final book of Revelation, the Bible offers profound insights into the nature of will, its relationship to faith, and its role in our spiritual journey.
Understanding Will in the Bible
In the Bible, the concept of "will" encompasses multiple dimensions. It refers to:
- God's Will: This encompasses the divine plan and purpose for all creation. It represents the ultimate authority and source of all that exists.
- Human Will: This refers to our capacity for choice, decision-making, and action. It embodies our autonomy and responsibility in the face of God's will.
- The Will of Others: The Bible recognizes the influence of other individuals on our lives, highlighting the impact of their decisions and actions on our choices.
The Divine Will: A Guiding Principle
The Bible emphasizes that God's will is perfect, righteous, and loving. It guides us towards our true purpose and ultimate good. Several passages illustrate this:
- Psalm 139:16: "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." This verse points to God's preordained plan for each individual.
- Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This verse highlights the sovereignty of God's will, even amidst difficult circumstances.
- Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." This passage reinforces the idea that God's plan, guided by his will, governs all things.
Human Will: A Partner in God's Plan
The Bible doesn't present human will as simply passive or predetermined. Instead, it acknowledges our freedom to choose and act, yet always within the context of God's will.
- Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." This verse illustrates the responsibility God has given us to choose life, aligning our will with his.
- Joshua 24:15: "But if it is displeasing in your sight to serve the Lord, then choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This passage underscores the importance of making conscious choices based on our understanding of God's will.
- Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." This verse highlights the partnership between God's grace and our own willing participation in his plans.
The Challenge of Reconciling God's Will and Human Will
Reconciling the two wills, divine and human, is a complex and ongoing journey of faith. It involves:
- Discernment: Seeking to understand God's will for our lives through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel.
- Submission: Recognizing that God's will is ultimately greater than our own, and choosing to surrender to his plan.
- Trust: Holding onto faith that God's will, even when difficult, is for our ultimate good.
The Impact of Others' Will on Our Lives
The Bible also acknowledges the impact of other individuals' choices on our own lives. This can be seen in:
- Genesis 4:10: "And the Lord said, 'What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground.'" This passage highlights the consequence of Cain's actions, impacting both himself and his brother Abel.
- Matthew 5:44: "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This teaching encourages us to respond to the will of others, even when it's challenging, with love and forgiveness.
The Will of God in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the concept of will takes on even greater significance. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ offer a profound understanding of God's will and its implications for human salvation.
- John 5:30: "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me." Jesus' life exemplifies perfect submission to the Father's will.
- Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse encourages us to actively seek God's will and align our minds with his.
The Bible's Message About Will: Living in Alignment with God's Plan
The Bible's message about "will" is not simply a theological concept but a practical guide for living. It calls us to:
- Seek God's will: Through prayer, study, and reflection, we can discern the direction he has for our lives.
- Trust God's plan: Even when we don't understand the reason, we can trust that God's will is ultimately good and beneficial.
- Surrender to God's will: Choosing to submit to his plan, regardless of our own desires or preferences, can lead to peace and fulfillment.
- Live in obedience to God's will: This involves aligning our actions and choices with what we understand to be God's plan.
Understanding the Bible's message about "will" allows us to approach life with a sense of purpose and direction. It empowers us to navigate challenges and uncertainties with faith, knowing that God's plan is at work in our lives, even when we cannot fully comprehend it. Through seeking God's will, we can find fulfillment and experience the true meaning of living in alignment with his purpose for us.
