Signs

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Discern, Test, Prove…

One reason we read the Bible is to better understand the Will of God. As we digest the historical accounts in their context, we learn their application.

Over time we learn that God’s Will can be categorized under three channels. I’m sure there may be other ways to simplify a complex subject, but I have found this way the easiest to digest. HIS Will can be summarized as either Providence, Moral, or Personal. Providence pertains to HIS Will from a global perspective. The application is universal. An example is HIS plan of salvation or HIS goal to have an eternal family. The Moral aspect pertains to what is right and wrong in relationships. Examples are many: should I steal this? Should I commit adultery with my neighbor’s wife? What is the problem if I make up lies about that person? Then there is the Personal Will. This is what many of us mean when speaking about God’s Will. What does God want me to do at this time and place? Some examples are: who should I marry? Where should I live? What field of study should I choose? What church should I attend?

God’s Will most often comes to the scene when we are at a crossroad of a personal life-decision. This is where many of us freeze. I have found at times like this there are two types of decision-making methods employed. One is the Sign method and the other is the Wisdom method. Both methods use prayer to seek God’s Will. Both have their time and place. Both produce fruit and long-term benefits.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 1:22 that Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom. This is the same two methods still in use today when discernment is required.

Like the name implies, the Sign method seeks an answer from God via “a sign.” The difficulty with this method is interpreting the message from the sign. For example, you asked God for help because your car is in the shop and you need to get somewhere highly important. You go to bed and have a dream that a person you never seen before pulls up your driveway in a sports car. You wake up and interpret the dream as God is going to send you someone in such a car. Meanwhile, while walking your dog, your neighbor asks if you know anyone who needs a bike. He purchased a new one and was looking to donate it to someone in need. You reply no. Then walk away thinking all the people you know who have a sports car that may stop by and pick you up. Taking a bicycle to solve your immediate problem didn’t cross your mind. The problem is we look at the dream and expect God to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s and match the dream as is. In hindsight, we may realize the dream was a dream, but your neighbor was being Jesus to you at the moment. Pedaling a bicycle wasn’t in your plans nor the sign you were looking for. But Jesus provides for our needs many times in the most unexpected ways. Looking for signs leaves the possibility of missing out on the best answer at the moment. In some ways, looking for a sign removes you from exercising prudence in the situation. You are also removing personal responsibility for your actions. If things don’t pan out, you get to blame God.

The Wisdom approach is based on developing judgemental leadership skills. The foundation is studying God’s Word and learning to apply it in all situations. Yes, when one prays, one is seeking not an answer, but assurance. Romans 12:2 states we are to discern, test, and prove what is the Will of God. That requires us to study the lessons from the Bible. It requires us to spend time in prayer with our Heavenly Papa. It requires us to lean on Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the situation. Not necessarily for a specific outcome, but for the help to analyze the situation, make a plan of action, and then execute it. It requires us to exercise judgement. To learn how to best serve ourself and others in the process. The Triune God Way.

Most Christ-followers will start their walk under the sign method. And God will work with you through the process. You will eventually learn how God communicates with you and you with HIM. We are all wired differently yet the same. And we receive communications from God in many different ways. The more we spend time with HIM, the quicker we will learn. It may start with signs. Followed by nudges. Maybe the same spoken words from strangers over a period of time. You may receive dreams or visions. But not have the gift to interpret. So you find someone who over time has proven themselves to do so.

As you grow in Christ, HE will give you more leeway to make decisions based on your analysis. You will learn whatever decision you make, you are not afraid of failure, for HE is always with you. HE will help you through the process. As you grow in HIS grace and knowledge, you begin to see the world through HIS eyes. Your worldview changes. You will still make errors of judgement. But will learn from them. You will come to the place you realize the most important decision is to lean on HIM through the process. Seek wisdom. Make a plan. Execute. And follow through. Your mission is to test, discern, and prove your decision. You will not know if it is good, better, or the best until down the road. But you will learn to make prudent decisions based on the known facts and circumstances at that time.

Remember, life is a training-process preparing one for eternity with Jesus. Making decisions is part of the program. The benefit Christ-followers have is living under the umbrella of God’s Kingdom now. HE is always with us. HIS grace overflows upon us. We are being trained to lead and serve in HIS Kingdom now and in the new age to come. Discerning, testing, and proving is part of the training process to become more like Jesus.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

^{Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler}

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“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)