We often get caught up into trying to discern God's SPECIFIC will for our lives. Which job should I take? Should I marry this person? Where should I invest my money? This venture, while meritorious at its core, often overlooks what Scripture has so profoundly already proclaimed about His daily, moment by moment, will for us.
St. Cyprian eloquently writes:
"We who desire to abide forever should do the will of God who is everlasting. Now that is the will of God, which Christ both did and taught. Humility, in conversation; steadfastness, in faith; modesty, in words; justice, in deeds; mercifulness, in works; discipline, in morals; to be unable to bear a wrong when done; to keep peace with the brethren; to love God with all one's heart; to love Him, in that He is a Father; to fear Him in that He is a God; to prefer nothing whatever to Christ because He did not prefer anything to us; to adhere inseparable, to His love; to stand by His cross bravely and faithfully. When there is any contest on behalf of his name and honor, to exhibit in discourse that consistency where with we make confession; in torture, that confidence with which we do battle and in death, that patience whereby we are crowned. This is to desire to be fellow heirs of Christ, this is to do the commandment of God, this is to fulfill the will of the Father."
Rooted in this desire to know God's will for our lives is to make choices that are pleasing to Him. But Cyprian basically states that if you want to know the will of God, if you want God to look favorably upon you, then look no further than the unblemished life of Christ! Imitate that kind of devotion, as when Paul boldly stated, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Does God sometimes direct our lives specifically? Absolutely! But not all the time. He is foremost concerned with us being disciples of Christ, learners (and followers) of His Word, so that our desires are conformed to His righteous will. Then, we will be more discerning and in so we will be fulfilling " . . . the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV)
God bless, beloved . . .
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