The Bible is clear on many things: love your neighbor, don’t steal, etc.
But you’ve probably noticed there isn’t a verse for what job you should take (or quit), whom to marry, what city to live in or which car to buy. Do you go to the beach or the mountains, and does God even care about that? The list is endless!
How do we know God’s will? How does He guide us?
Romans 12:2 lays the foundation for the answer. And it is crucial!
“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.” (Italics added)
You can’t truly “test and approve” or verify God’s leading until you’ve done the prerequisites: broken free from this world’s corrupt pattern and begun renewing your mind with God’s word.
More on this topic....
The word translated “test and approve” means to document something.
If you’ve ever seen the Antiques Road Show, sometimes the expert surprisingly values an item brought in at tens of thousands of dollars—even a “national treasure.” Other times what looks like it might be worth something turns out to be a fake, worth about $10 on eBay.
How does this “testing and approving” God’s will work? Many times, it’s by applying a principle from God’s word to our specific situation.
The Bible doesn’t say, “Thou shall not post a hurtful reply to thy neighbor on thy social media account—even if they be a fool.” But it does say, “Never repay evil for evil to anyone...if your enemy is hungry feed him...overcome evil by doing good” (Romans 12:17-21).
So, while my first reaction might have been anger, maybe I paused, prayed, and God’s Spirit brought this passage to mind. Instead of getting even, because God is renewing my mind, I verified that returning kindness would be God’s will, not revenge! It might even help bring that person to Christ as they see a different standard working in me.
But what about less clear decisions without a definite “right and wrong,” such as which schools to apply to, should I buy season tickets this year, or should I volunteer for one ministry over another?
- First, desire to do God’s will and pray. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him also and He will do it” (Psalm 37:5)
- Get godly and wise counsel from several trusted sources. And consult those who need to be involved (Proverbs 11:14).
- Ask yourself, “Is it wise, given who I am and my situation?” – What some may be free to do might not be right for me.
- Ask yourself, “Is it profitable? Does this control me?” (1 Corinthians 6:12) Even a good thing can get out of bounds!