Living God’s Will

August 14, 2021

Living God’s Will

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. – The Book of Common Prayer, The Collect for Year B, Proper 14

This week, we have read a lot about God’s call on our lives. First and foremost, we are to believe in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for us. We are to wait and long for the eternal life he promises. We are to feast on the Bread of Life and imitate Jesus in all we do. We are to extend his love and grace to those around us. We are to treat one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to live in faith and gratitude. The collect provides a rather succinct summary of that list: we are to think and do always what is right and live according to God’s will.

The prayer above also addresses why and how we are to do that. First, we are compelled to obey because God, our Creator, demands it. We acknowledge and revere him as the source of all life, earthly and eternal. Second, we obey because we have been transformed by the extravagant love Christ demonstrated on the cross. Finally, we know that only the Bread of Life can truly satisfy us; only Jesus offers salvation and eternal life.

Even if we are motivated to live according to God’s will, that’s a pretty tall order. We are all flawed and frail human beings. We cannot do it on our own. Fortunately, we don’t have to. If we ask him, the Lord will enable us. If we invite him, the indwelling Holy Spirit will instruct, strengthen, and guide us. If we cry out to him, God will hear and answer our pleas. And, if we confess when we stumble, Jesus freely offers the forgiveness and salvation he purchased with his life. Our triune God stands ready to equip us for every challenge and meet our every need.

Take a few moments to reflect on this week’s readings. Which passage inspired or convicted you the most? Which aspects of God’s call are most challenging for you? How is he calling you to live into your saving faith and his will more fully?

Reflect and Respond:
May God grant us the spirit to think and do always what is right. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small-group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!