Proving His Will
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV
This is a very familiar verse and one that is often quoted. Understandably the focus is usually regarding the transforming and renewing of our minds. But if we look at the end of that verse we see that the result of our transforming and renewing our minds is that we prove to ourselves what the intentional and perfect will of God is. Think about this for a moment, how many times have you heard someone say (maybe it even came from your own mouth), “I just wish I knew what the will of God was for my life”? This verse is telling us how we can come to know that perfect will God that has for our lives, that plan and design which is good for us, will bring glory to Him and is acceptable to us. We make it a hard thing to determine or know His will, but right here we see the process spelled out for us.
It simply begins and ends with where we allow our minds to go. We tend to be over saturated with the customs, habits, and mindset of the world. It is very hard to get away from the influence of the world which taints our minds and slants our thinking. The more we are influenced by the world the more we conform to its ways and its priorities which means the further we slide from the thoughts and intentions of our heavenly Father.
Our mind is going to follow one of two pathways, either adapting to the thoughts of the world or being given over to the mind of Christ. These are the only two options and your mind and thoughts will go one way or the other, there is no neutral position in life. If you are having a difficult time determining the will of God in the things of your life, that is probably a good indicator to you that are on the pathway of following the things of the world. Follow the world and you will get the world’s results. In case you have noticed the world’s results are always disappointing and frustrating.
However, when we change our mindset and seek the things of Christ, as we are transformed and changed in our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts by taking on the mind and heart of Jesus, we are renewed in our thinking. With this renewed thinking the disorienting fog of a mind lost in the world gives way to a clear vision and certainty that can only be found when our thoughts are one with Him through the Holy Spirit. Now seeing clearly with His vision we then prove to ourselves (according to the Amplified Bible) what has been presented to us even though we could not see it. What is proved in our own awareness is the good and perfect plan that Jesus has for us.
How do we find the perfect will of the Lord in our lives? Be diligent to transform your mind from the world to the Word.
J Todd Hostetler