Doing God's Will

Doing God’s will is certainly a goal for us a followers of Jesus. Sometimes it can feel a bit slippery - what is God’s will after all? There’s a lovely little section in a New Testament letter that lays out one approach to this very nicely.

Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Always” “continually” and “all circumstances” - that’s OFTEN! I used to think that meant setting my watch timer every hour so I could stop and pray (yes, i did that) - but it’s clearly more about an attitude, a way of being in the world. This is about being aware of God’s presence, this is about facing the world with gratitude, even when it’s so awful. This is what Jesus did, right? (that’s why Paul talked about being ‘in Christ’ at the end of these verses). 

Scripture says this is the way into the ‘beloved community’ that Jesus is forming. It’s not about your gender or sexual orientation. It’s not about checking a box on a list of rights and wrongs. It’s not about having a pristine systematic theology. It’s about being willing to find Christ in everyone you meet; it’s about being grateful for every next breath; it’s about holding on to the power of joy to fight injustice. This is God’s will for you.